Concerning Swinton family records and portraits at Kimmerghame

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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01433 4756

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GENEALOGY COLLECTTON

The Bible was

handed down in the manner indicated by the heavy line.

Lacty tAavjy Keith

TWIGE n/tPRIED

Ji^ to
Sir oJameS \

Hope of
Eopetown

Sir WiUtam Hope
of Balcontve

pnd/y fy

John Uulf Campbell Smnton
Present Possessor

G / L'

CONCERNING

SWINTON FAMILY

RECORDS AND PORTRAITS

AT KIMMERGHAME.

PRIVATELY PRINTED.

JOHN LINDSAY,

EDINBURGH.

M.C.M.VIII.

o 12194vS4

rJ

THESE RECORDS OF HIS ANCESTORS
ARE INSCRIBED
BY PERMISSION
^ TO

RANDALL THOMAS DAVIDSON,

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.

BY

THE COMPILERS,
A. C. AND J. L. CAMPBELL SWINTON.

CONTENTS.

PAGES.

Prefatory Note, y\[

PART I.

Some Account of the Families of Keith, Hope of Balcomie,
and Semple. Archibald Swinton. His First Years in
India. Expedition to the Negraio. Expedition with
the Hardwick to Gangam. Affair with the Dutch - 1-16

PART II.

Journal of Archibald Swinton during his Campaigns under
Major Calliaud, Sir Robert Fletcher, and Lord Clive.
Battle of Gaiah. Meckley Expedition. Taking of the
Fortress of Mongheer. Recapture of Patna - - 17-46

PART III.

Narratives of Two of those who were Inhumanly Butchered
at Patna and of One who Survived. Archibald Swinton's
Notes describing the Capitulation of Sujah Dowlah,
whereby Lord Clive acquired the "Dewanee" of Bengal 47-106

PART IV.

Archibald Swinton in Scotland. His Marriage. Letters to

his Children. Life at Kimmerghame. His Death -107-150

PART V.

Concerning Mrs Ferguson (born Catherine Swinton). Young

Archibald Swinton's Life and Letters as a Midshipman - i5»-«79

vi CONTENTS.

PART VI.

Marriage of John Swinton to Catherine Rannie. Concerning
the Rannie Family. Letters of Congratulation on the
Marriage. Catherine Rannie's Letters to her Husband
descriptive of Domestic Country Life from 1809 and
onwards 180-218

PART VII.

Life of Archibald Swinton's Son James in India. Concerning
Mrs Mure of Caldwell and Lord Easdale. Letters of
Catherine Rannie until her Death in 1821 - - - 219-24$

PREFATORY NOTE.

Among the books treasured at Kimmerghame there
is a Bible which has belonged in successive generations
to many members of the family. Our researches,
when tracing its possessorship, led us to collect records,
on behoof of our daughter, of the lives of its many
owners, whose descendants may, we hope, like to
know in detail how their great-grandfather and their
uncles fought in India, lived at sea, and passed the
course of daily life at Kimmerghame, more than a
hundred years ago.

After reading the familiar letters of these ancestors,
their portraits no longer represent to us mere names,
but departed personalities with whom we feel inti-
mately acquainted, and whose memory we love and
revere.

A. C. AND J. L. CAMPBELL SWINTON.

Kimmerghame,
May igo8.

PART I.

(^I^IHIS Bible was "Imprinted by the Deputies of Chris-
iW topher Barker, Printer to the Queenes Most Excellent
Majestie, 1599." It is bound in red velvet and tar-
nished old gold lace, and it has the following inscription on its
fly leaf :-

" This Bible, which belonged to my Grandmother, Lady
Mary Keith, I make a present of to my cousin. Miss Katty
Swinton. Anne Hope, Oct., 1764.

(Then follows in a diflferent handwriting)
And with the greatest pleasure it is presented to Archibald
Swinton, Esq., by his most affectionate sister,

Katie Swinton.

July 15th, 1767."
The first possessor, Lady Mary Keith, married Sir James Hope
in October, 1657. Of the Keiths, Nisbet tells us that "Anno
1006 at the battle of Panbride, one Robert, a Christian
amongst the Chatti (from which came the surname Keith),
joined Malcolm II. of Scotland, and was very instrumental in
obtaining a notable victory over the Danes. When King
Malcolm perceived that Robert had killed the Danish King
Camus, he dipt his fingers in the blood of the slain and drew
five long pales of blood down Robert's shield, which has ever
since been the Armorial Bearing of his descendants — never
marshalled with any other."

In the year 1010, the chief of the family of Keith was
advanced to the dignity of Marshall of Scotland for his eminent
valour, and was given a Barony in East Lothian. No male
descendant now exists. The last Earl Marischal has been
fully described by Andrew Lang in his "Companions of
Pickle."

2 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

His brother Marshal Keith's life, was romantic and interest-
ing. A fragmentary autobiography is extant describing his
military career, and many glimpses of his latter life are shown us
io contemporary memoirs.

Sir Robert Murray Keith, of the branch of the Keith of
Cray, who was known as " Ambassador Keith," was of true
male descent, but left only one daughter, Scott's " Mrs Bethune
Balliol." There is a charming little memoir of him entitled
" The Story of Felix," by Mrs Cockburn, authoress of " Flowers
of the Forest."

There is at Kimmerghame a curious old watch, which is known as the
"Emerald Watch." This was thought to be a complimentary name owing
to the colour, but an expert in stones has pronounced the works to be
sunk in a true emerald of a coarse type. The legend regarding it is that
the watch was presented by Anne, Princess of Denmark, wife of James VI.
of Scotland, to George Keith, fifth Earl Marischal, who in 1589 was
sent Ambassador Extraordinary to the Court of Denmark to arrange the
marriage. The satisfaction he gave is noted in "Douglas' Peerage."
This legend is substantiated regarding dates by the period of its maker.
"Jolly Paris" is engraved on the works. He was watchmaker to the
Paris Town-Hall in 1550, and worked for Catherine de' Medici. Other
watches made by him, of great beauty, are extant.

Lady Mary Keith's son, Sir William Hope of Balcomie, was
a younger brother of the first Earl of Hopetown. He was born
15th April 1660, and was created a baronet 1st March 1698.

He served in the Army in his younger days, travelled much
abroad, and became one of the most accomplished cavaliers of
the age ; being renowned for skill in fencing and horsemanship,
and uncommon gracefulness and agility in dancing. In 1700
he was made Constable of Edinburgh Castle, and was thus
Deputy Governor, under Earl of March and Earl of Leven,
till 1715.

He purchased Balcomie in Fifeshire in 1705, and seems to
have had difficulty in getting possession, previously raising an
action against Mr Gordon, previous owner, "ejecting him before
sunrise," and there being barricading and threatening to shoot
with guns. Subsequently he acquired the property for £7,500.
He published in Edinburgh, 1724, " The Vindication of the

AND PORTRAITS 3

True Art of Self Defence," including "A Short, but very Useful
Memorial for Sword-Men," which book is in the Kimmerghame
library. It fully describes the art of fencing, together with
directions how to behave in a single combat upon horseback.
According to a tradition in the country, the fame of Sir William
and his book induced a foreign cavalier to take a far journey
in order to try his skill. Having arrived at Crail (near
Balcomie) with this intent, he challenged Sir William to meet
him on horseback in the open field.

The parties met within a mile of the Castle of Balcomie,
where the standing stone of Sauchope stood a few years back,
close to the side of a road which then led from Crail to Balcomie.
The onset was dreadful; but at length Sir William's sword,
with deadly force, penetrated the body of his antagonist. The
wounded cavalier fell, and with his dying breath declared his
name and title, and requested his victorious antagonist to
become the protector of his widowed lady. Sir William marrie<l
Elizabeth Clerk. He died in 1724 of a fever brought on by
dancing the well-known minuet — "The Louvre," at an assembly^
and was buried in the Canongate Church, Edinburgh.

He left a daughter, Anne Hope, who is the next in my chain
as second possessor of the Bible, inheriting it from her grand-
mother. Lady Mary Keith. Beyond that fact, which is recorded
in her own handwriting on the fly-leaf, I have been unable to
obtain any further information concerning her, except the notice
of her death in the Scots Magazine, which took place on tlic
8th of November 1785.

On the death of Sir William, his son, George, succeeded to
the Baronetcy and estates; he married in November of the
same year, Anne Mackenzie, daughter of Sir John Mackenzie of
Coul, Bart., and died five years after in Ireland. He was
Captain in the Earl of Orkney's Royal Foot Regiment. Two
records of Sir George Hope are in the Record Room in Edin-
burgh. The earliest is a deed arranging for the payment of
numberless loans of money and recovery of small sums owing to
him, leaving all in the hands of Robert Lumsden of Innergellio.
The second deed is " Given by Dame Anne Hope only Executrix

4 SWINTON FAMILY RECOKDS

Dative Qua Kelict discerned to him, Goods and gear following
Wooset Bed at ten pounds. Item 8 old kain chairs with
cushions, each chair at 2s., are sixteen shillings. Item small
black cabinet, one pound. Item eleven large family pictures
and two small at 5s. per piece, value £15 and in Scots money
£180, 12s."

He died in November 1729, and left two children — a
daughter, Helen, and a son, William, who succeeded him, whose
history will be related further in these pages.

The third possessor of the Bible was " Miss Katty Swinton,"
who was Anne Hope's cousin, being a great-grandchild of Lady
Mary Keith, her grandmother having been Elizabeth Murray of
Blackbarony, and her mother, Mary Semple.

This Mary Semple, whose picture, painted by Martin, hangs
at Kiramerghame, is a personality of interest to many now
living, as she is the common ancestress of so many branches
of the Swinton and other families. She is depicted in a white
satin neglig^ over a soft muslin cross-over garment, and a broad
cap or bonnet with strings under her chin, swathed round, which
may have given rise to the tradition in the family that she was
painted on her death-bed.

Her ancestry on both sides was noble and heroic. On her
mother's side she was descended from the Keiths (previously
mentioned), and from the Earls of Winton, Murrays of Black-
barouy, Cockburns, and many other families of note. On her
father's side she inherited the blood of heroism for conscience
sake, and undaunted bravery and steadfastness in adversity.
Her great-grandfather. Sir Bryce Semple, was the great, great
grandson of John, the first Lord Semple, who received the title
from James IV^. in 1488, and fell with his royal master at
Flodden, A.D. 1513. Her grandfather, Gabriel Semple, sou of
Sir Bryce by Margaret Lauder of Hatton, was ordained minister
of Kirkpatrick-Durham. After the Revolution he was trans-
ported to Jedburgh, where he continued until his death in 1706,
and during that time he passed through many sufferings. He
is mentioned by Wodrow as being taken prisoner when in the
house of his nephew, " Blackcastle," near Old Hamstacks, by a

AND PORTEAITS 5

party of the guards, and that Sir Patrick (of Blackcastle) was
fined two hundred pounds sterling for harbouring and con-
versing with Mr Semple, a declared rebel. " This reverend and
worthy person endured much trouble."

When ordered to leave the mause, he went to the house of
Corsack, and the first Sabbath preached in the hall of the house
to such as came ; next Sabbath, the hall not holding them, he
preached in the close ; third Sabbath in the garden, and that
not answering, they went to the fields, multitudes coming from
all hands. Afterwards Mr Semple went to Ireland, and later
returned to the Border of Scotland, and for several years had
possession of the church at Ford, and dispensed the Sacraments
to great multitudes. He continued there till his wife died,
and the persecution became hotter, and he sickly ; and a little
before the Both well rising, which he would not join, owing to
" the divisions among them which only the Lord can cure," he
returned to Scotland. At this time he stayed at Old Ham-
stacks, till he was taken, as previously mentioned, by the guards.
He was so ill of ague when taken that it was represented to the
Council that he could not ride alone. Nevertheless, orders came
that he was to be brought to Edinburgh, so he had to ride there,
double, behind his nephew, William Semple, to whom he held
on until he got as far as Haddington, when he got the Lady
Stevenson's calash. He was carried to the Canongate Tolboth,
where he continued till the Parliament was up. On his suppli-
cation, and after interrogations without end, he was later re-
leased and withdrew to England, where he continued till King
Charles' death.

Gabriel Semple had several wives. According to a paper
drawn up by Lord Swinton, his great grandson, Samuel Semple,
was Gabriel's son by Ann Lochart, niece of Loch art of Deer.
He was for many years minister of Liberton, and is probably
buried in the ministers' burial ground, which is under the
present church tower.

The records of the church were unfortunately burnt in a
conflagration of many years ago, but the modern church, stand-
ing so beautifully on the slope of the Blackford Hills, with a

6 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

lovely view of Edinburgh to the north, itself a landmark, with
its tall spire, for a great surrounding distance, is on the very
spot where Samuel Semple lived and laboured, and where he
wrote a voluminous history of the sufferings of his Church.
Wodrow says : " One night I was his guest, and he let me see a
vast many papers, upwards thirty quire he had caused copy out
of the Bodlian and Cotton Libraries." He got assistance from
Sir James Dalrymple, Sir Robert Sibbald, Mr James Anderson,
and others about Edinburgh, and had the advantage of Mr
Baillie's letters.

Wodrow showed him his own work on " The Sufferings,"
and they corresponded much together about the year 1726.

Samuel married Elizabeth Murray of Blackbarony, and they
were the parents of Mary Semple. After their daughter's
marriage, Mrs Semple must have visited at Swinton House, and
when there written the letter of which the following extract
exists in her grandson's pocket book : —

" From Mrs Semple,

" SwiNTON House, 1746.
" My dear . . .

" When I came to this place I expected to have had

the pleasure of seeing you here, but I found you was gone back

with Mrs Hutcheson, where I am persuaded you are much

better, being in such good company, which I hope you will

improve to the best advantage that you may be fitted for the

business you was designed for. Let me know how you are just

now and what you want, which I shall endeavour to provide for

you, be what it will. I am very ill in my health by reason of

weakness and great pains, so that it is probable I may never

see you, but I pray God Almighty bless you with his best

blessings in Christ Jesus, and spare you in the world if it be

His holy will, but keep you from the evil of it, that you may be

a blessing upon the earth in what ever station He is pleased to

place you by living to the glory of God, and to prove a comfort

to your Parents and all your friends."

Mrs Semple died 18th January, 1748, aged 77 years. Her

daughter, Mary, married John Swinton of that ilk in 1723, and

AND PORTRAITS 7

had twelve children. There is a tradition that her married life
was not a very happy one, but she lived to see her eldest son
rise to eminence on the Scotch Bench, and her fourth son come
back from India, having won his laurels. She was living with
her husband, according to the munchi (of whom more hereafter),
in Edinburgh when her son, Archibald, returned from India in
1766, and had also two sons and several unmarried daughters
with her. Two years after she died in Leven Lodge,* viz., on
September 4th, 1768. It was the country villa of the Earl of
Leven, and stood to the west of Edinburgh Castle on the site of
the present Leven Street. It was a plain but massive old
edifice, and contained a grand oak staircase and stately dining-
hall, with windows facing south.

To two of the children of John Swinton and Mary Semple
the Bible now successively belonged, having been given by Ann
Hope to her cousin Katty Swinton the year after her nephew
Sir William Hope's death, and two years later Katty gave it to
her brother, Archibald, on his return from India.

There are two portraits of Archibald in Kimmerghame, one
depicting him in red coat and epaulettes (by Sir Joshua Reynolds,
1723-1792), and the other is the family group by Nasmyth,
done in 1787 or 88,— scene, on the Blackadder bank at Kimmer-
crhame. Here he is shown with his wife and five of his childreu.

He was the son of John Swinton of that ilk and Mary
Semple, and was born 1731, in all probability iu the old house
of Swinton, as we know that in the year 1730 his father,
" impelled by a spirit of patriotism as well as of interest, drained,
planted, and completely enclosed his whole estate," and that in
1747 he reserved the Mansion House for himself when making
over the family estate to his eldest son.

* In 1811, Penelope, Lady Belhaven, lived in it, and in 1816 it was the
property of Captain Swinton of Drumdryan.

Drumdryan is a name of Celtic origin. Where the «' Meadow8 now
lie there was once a loch some three-quarters of a mile long, and near
there the old house of Drumdryan stood close to the road that led to the
convent of Scienne, on the side where now there stands ' The Sciennes.

8

SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

He was fourth son, and one of a family of twelve children.
He studied surgery in Edinburgh, and went to India, engaging
as surgeon-mate's apprentice when twenty years old.

The following notes of his journey left by him are interest-
ing as showing how slowly one travelled to London in these
days, and is curious when contrasted with the same journey now
done in a motor : —

1751.

December 11. Left Edinburgh.

,, „ To Braefoot

5> »5 5

, Whitburn

12

, Swinton

»» i1 5

. Compton

13

, Belford -

)» »1 5

, Alnwick

14

, Morpeth

J) ?» 5

, Newcastle

'> ?? 5

, Chester -

15

, Darlington

!» 5» )

, Northallerton

16

, Burrowbridge

)» ?> 5

, Selby .

17

, Bawtry

»» »» 1

, Tuxford

18

, Newark

>9 »> 5

, Grantham

i? ?» ?

, Stamford

19

, Huntington

5» »> 5

, Royston

20

, Ware

5) »> )

, London

15 miles.

5

12

8

16

14

19

14

8

25

15

19

28

33

16

13

14

25

21

(no number)

17

5»

10

)>

miles.

On Wednesday, 8th January 1752, he "fell down the river,
and sailed from the Downs" on the 16th. Touched at the
Cape, March 29th, and sailed from the Cape, April 10th.
Reached Madras Road, 10th June 1752.

At this time Clive had commenced his brilliant campaign
in the Carnatic. We read that he had undertaken an enter-
prise which, "whether we consider the means employed, the
obstacles to be surmounted, or the results that were produced.

AND PORTRAITS 9

must ever rank high in the lists of those achievements where
skill and energy supply the place of numbers." This was the
taking of Arcot, the capital, and later Congeverem, which was
the foundation of English supremacy in that part of India.

Archibald Swinton, six weeks after he went ashore, volun-
teered to join Captain Clive, and went into camp with him
(having first what he calls a great Tomashy at his apprentice-
ship being ended).

On the 28th of August they marched from Madras— 300
Sepoys, 200 Europeans and 8 officers, 6 of whom were never
before in action — and took Arcot on the 31st, marching through
100,000 spectators.

On January 25th, 1753, he records, " Went to Arcot," and
on "21st April — wounded." This was in the fierce struggles
just before Clive returned to England,

"14th July 1754— went frou Arcot to Madras. 22nd —
went from Madras to Chingleput." This was one of the Forts
taken by Clive in 1754. " October 20th — rode from Chingleput
to Madras in the space of four hours, and gained two thousand
six hundred rupees" — this was a distance of about sixty miles.

"3rd November 1755 — left Chingleput, and quitted the
Company's service. March 8th, 1756 — was again engaged in ye
Service. 15th March — imbarked for the Negraio, and arrived
12th August."

He again engaged in the Company's service, apparently as
surgeon's mate or full surgeon. He started with the ships from
Madras that were despatched to succour the little English
settlement at Negrais point, on the other side of the Bay of
Bengal. The kingdom of Ava, of which this place formed a
part, had long been torn with dissension between two factions,
viz., the Peguers and Birmans. The English had taken
possession of Negrais about the year 1751, and had a small
settlement under a Governor. The trade was chiefly timber.
In 1755 the war became much hotter, and the Frencli and
English were alike menaced by whichever native power was
in the ascendant, and were on rival terms; tliey therefore
asked for assistance, and English ships with the Company's

10 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

soldiers came to aid the settlement, and in one was Archibald.
The Encylish sided first with the one side and then the other.
A powerful fleet of Birmans assembled on the coast of Negrais.
Immediately on arrival the English, siding with the Peguers,
opened fire on the Birman fleet, caused them to abandon their
boats and take shelter in the groves.

The Peguers maintained their advantage for some days
until their ammunition was exhausted, when they and the
English and Fi-ench ships returned to Syriam. There followed
negotiations — battles by sea, skirmishes by land, men left in
Forts, massacred — survivors swimming wounded to the boats.
English ships going up the river towards the capital Ava, and
being seized. All this took place, but as it is uncertain how
long Archibald Swinton remained at the Negrais, which he
himself merely says he reached in August 1755, it is useless
to fully describe the incidents. Circumstantial evidence points
to him having accompanied Lieutenant Lister on an Embassy,
full of adventure, to the King of Ava in July 1757, but of that
we cannot be sure. He preserved an MSS. description of the
expedition, written by Lieutenant Lister.

We know for certain that in 1759 he was on board the
Hardwick, which ship came to anchor in the roads of Gangam,
on the coast of Orissa, on October 6th. The Captain hoisted
Dutch colours, and with a pretended tale of want of provisions
slipped up under the French Fort. They received by a
catamaran (native boat) a note in Monsieur Moracin's name,
demanding the name of the ship and whence she came. It will
be realised that at this time France and England were at war.
The stratagem was soon discovered, and the Captain sent a letter
in which he says : — ■" As I have now obtained all the intelligence
I think necessary (pardon therefore the means used for it),
it is needless further to conceal what I really am, and for
what purpose I come. Know then that the ship is the
English Hardwick, that about a month ago, Colonel Clive
received a letter from Narraindoo by a Hasker informing him
of your being in the country, and proposing if be would send a
party of Sepoys and Europeans down to Gangam, he would join

AND PORTRAITS H

them to his forces and cut off your party. The troops I have
aboard with an answer to Narraindoo, but am willincy before
going to extremities to put it in your power to give a termina-
tion to our Expedition, more agreeable to you as well as
to us."

There then followed a correspondence endeavouring to
come to terms between Captain Brock Samson and Monsieur
Morracin. An amicable arrangement not having been effected,
a Hasker with a letter and one Sepoy was sent to Narraindoo,
the Native power, and Mr Swinton accompanied it in the jolly
boat to see the letter was safely landed. He also took sound-
ings of the shore. The letter, of which there is a copy, says :
" The ship was sent from Bengal by Colonel Clive, and asks
Narraindoo to concert measures to ridd us both of our common
enemy."

Narraindoo answers : " We have seen your ship eight days,
and knew not it was English. We understood from Calcutta
that your ship was to be sent, and are overjoyed to see you. If
you will send some Europeans and Sepoys and four guns ashore,
we will immediately engage the enemy."

Next day, Mr Swinton went ashore about nine o'clock p.m.
and was conducted to a village about five miles distant, where
he stayed till the Rajah should be informed of his arrival.
The messenger returned about three in the morning with a
horse and palanquin, which the Rajah had sent with an escort
of one hundred Sepoys, requesting that he would set out
immediately, and he would come to meet him. Mr Swinton
set out accordingly and met the Rajah, before morning, near
the camp of Pallar his Dewanzer, which is about five miles from
the above village, his own camp being about three miles beyond
that. The Rajah received him with great civility; earnestly
pressed him to bring ashore some troops to his assistance, and
offered him the command of his army.

Mr Swinton spent the day in reconnoitring the Fort, and
viewing the Rajah's troops, etc. N.B.—Mr Swinton had only
fifty Sepoys and fifteen volunteers about the Hardwick, besides
the ship's crew.

12 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

The Rajah surrounded the whole place, so that the French
could not get farther off than about two miles. Those on the
ship, meanwhile, were anxious, and record on 13th, "No
appearance of Mr Swinton. 14th. — Heard a report of three or
four guns, and soon after observed a body of horse and some
foot on the top of a hill near the Fort. Could distinguish
Swinton by his red cloaths. As we imagined, the Rajah or
some of his great people were with him. Mr Samson saluted
him with eleven guns, and sent his boat ashore."

Mr Swinton returned in her about three in the afternoon.
Next day he rowed to the Fort and examined its strength.
15th. — A letter came from the Rajah asking Mr Swinton to
come ashore to determine what to do. Mr Swinton, Mr Samson,
and the writer went ashore.

The Rajah offered, if Clive would make an allegiance with
him, he would deliver up Gangam, Calingapatam, Maphisbunder,
and Sunapore, but after Mr Swinton spends all night recon-
noitring the Fort, Mr Samson comes to the conclusion they
have not enough men to attack it, so wrote accordingly to the
Rajah ; promises to acquaint Colonel Clive with the situation,
and says he was obliged to sail for Calcutta, and he sends a
Harcar to Colonel Ford letting him know how affairs are.

Just about this period, Archibald Swinton quitted the
medical department of the army, and changed to an ensigncy in
the Company's Service. It would be as well to take a slight
retrospect of previous events. In the year 1756, Calcutta was
taken by Surajah Dowlah after a siege, and Mr Hoi well (the
Governor) and one hundred and forty-six gentlemen were put
in the memorable " Black Hole of Calcutta," from whence only
he, Mr Holwell, and twenty-two others came out alive after the
most horrible sufferings. Such was the terrified reverence with
which Surajah Dowlah was held in that the guards refused to
ask his clemency to reduce the sufferings of those in the Black
Hole because he was asleep, and no one dared waken him.
What a reverse must it have been when the year after (1757)
he was defeated by the English under Lord Clive, and their
ally, Meer Jaffier, given over to Meer Jaffier's son, " a ferocious

AND PORTRAITS 13

youth," who ordered him to be assassinated that night, and we
are told the perpetrators showed such indecent haste that when
Surajah Dowlah, guessing his fate, asked time to wash first, the
executioner flung a pail of water over him, and then cut off his
head !

After the defeat and death of Surajah Dowlah, Ally Jaffier
reigned in his stead, was nominally allied to the English, and
his son Merran, henceforth described as the " Young Nabob,"
joins the English Army, as will be shortly seen. New troubles
soon arose at Calcutta. The Hardwick made all possible speed
from Gangara back to Calcutta, and joined in the " Affair with
the Dutch," of which this is the following account, and has been
described as " one of the most brilliant incidents in the war,"
when Colonel Ford, by the dexterity and success of his exploit,
took prisoner or slew all but fourteen out of a force of seven
hundred Europeans.

Archibald Swinton writes : —

From a Narrative of the Disputes Subsisting be-
tween THE Dutch and English in Bengal in
November 1759.

"Early in August we received advice that a powerful
Armament was fitting out & embarking. Destined as was
rumour'd for Bengal. On representation of this by the Governor
the Nabob sent a Perwannah to the Dutch prohibiting them
from bringing Troops into Bengal. Soon after one of their
ships arrived in the River with European Troops & Buggosis
on board. On this the Nabob sent a second Perwannah &
order'd Omar Beg Cawn, Fouzdar of Houghly, to join the Govr-
with a body of Troops. Early in October the Nabob Jaffier
Aly Cawn arrived at Calcutta on a visit to the Govi- During
his stay six or seven more Dutch capital ships crammed with
soldiers and baggage arrived in the river & now the Dutch
mask fell off. The Nabob left Calcutta the 19th Octr- We
as Allies of the Nabob and under his colours, had on the arrival
of the first ship stopt & searched their Boats coming up the
Eiver & finding 18 Buggoses conceal'd in one of them, sent them

14 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

back to their ships. Now the Dutch themselves openly com-
menced Hostilities by attacking with shott and seizing seven of
our vessels (amongst which was the Leopard Snow, Cap*-
Barclay, & tore down our colors. On this we concluded with
the greatest probability that the Dutch had received intelligence
of a Rupture between them and us in Europe, or that they
were sure of the Nabob's joining them, or of his standing neuter
at least. Wrote to the Nabob that now we considered the
quarrel as subsisting between the Dutch and us only, desired
that he would leave chastising them to us, and Desist from
sending his son, or any part of his Army to our assistance.

" Our whole force then consisted of 240 Europeans of the
Battalion (of whom . . . were Topazes) about 80 of the
Train & 1200 Sepoys (besides . . . Militia & . . .
Gentlemen volunteers form'd into an independent Company).*

"On the 19th Nov""- Col. Ford march'd to the Northward;
with part of these & cross'd the Ganges above Barnagores
Cap*- Knox being at Fauna's Fort & Channoc's Battery with
the remainder, and a few of Omar Beg's Troops. Mr Holwell
was order'd to take charge of Fort William with the Militia,
consisting of 250 Europeans besides some of the Portuguese
inhabitants.

" Col. Ford cross'd over the River Ganges to Syrampore a
Danish Factory with his Troops and four pieces of Field
Artillery & marched towards Chundernagore.

" On the 22nd Nov- the Dutch landed about 700 Europe. &
800 Buggoses. Cap*- Knox and the Parties at the Batteries
were immediately order'd to join Col. Ford which they did on
. . . at midnight near Serampore.

" On the 23rd Orders were sent to our Commodore, Captain
Wilson, to demand immediate restitution of our ships. Subjects
and property, or to fight, sink, burn & destroy the Dutch ships
on their refusal ; the next day the demand was made and
refused. True British spirit was manifested on this occasion,
notwithstanding the inequality, the Dutch having seven to

* All these figures are left unfilled in the MS.

AND PORTRAITS 15

three (and four of them capital ships) we attacked them and
after about two hours engagement the Dutch Commodore
struck & the rest followed the example, except his Second who
cut & ran down as low as Culpee when she was stopped short
by the Oxford & Royal George which arrived two days before
and had our orders to join the other Captains. The Dutch
Com'^- had about 80 men killed and as many wounded, she
suffer'd the most amongst them, as did the Duke of Dorset on
our side, who was more immediately engaged with her.

" On the same day, the 24th, Col. Ford march'd from the
French Gardens to the Northward intending to encamp be-
tween Chandernagore & Chinsura. In his march thro' the
former he was attack'd by the Dutch with four pieces of cannon
& the Garrison from Chinsura which had march'd out & lodged
themselves in the houses & ruins of Chandernagore at the very
time the Colonel entered with his Troops at the southermost
end {N.B. — Spears brought the alarm to Ghyratty). However
he soon dislodged them from their Ambush, took their cannon
& pursued them with some slaughter to the very barriers of
Chinsura — then encamp'd on the Glacis of Chandernagore, and
having certain intelligence in the night of the near approach of
the Dutch Troops from the ships who had been in spite of his
vigilance join'd by part of the Garrison from Chinsura, he
march'd at break of day (about 7 o'clock) (after causing the
men to load and fix their bayonets on the parade) with two
field pieces and (in less than half an hour) met them in full
march for Chinsura, which was little more than two miles
distant. We immediately filed to the right & they to the left
& form'd our lines within 70 yards of each other ; in a very few
minutes we were both form'd and came to action.

" The Dutch were commanded by Col. Roussel, a French
soldier of fortune. They consisted of nearly 700 Europeans
and as many Buggoses, besides country troops. Ours of 240
Infantry ( ... of which Topazes), 80 of the Train and 50 more
Europeans composing the Troop of Horse, Independents &
Volunteers, & about 800 Sepoys. The engagement was short,
bloody, and decisive ; the Dutch were put to a total Rout in

16 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

less than half an hour. They had about 120 Europeans and
200 Buggoses (100 kill'd), 850 Europeans & about 200
Buggoses taken prisoners, with Monsieur Rousssell & 14
Officers, & about 150 wounded; our loss inconsiderable. The
Dutch were now as abject in their submissions as they had
been insolent on their supposed superiority. They disavowed
the proceedings of their ships below, acknowledged themselves
the aggressors, & agreed to pay costs and damages, on which
their ships were delivered up to them.

" Three days after the Battle of Bederra the young Nabob
with about 6 or 7000 horse arrived. . . . Thus ended an
affair which had the event been different threatened us in its
consequences with utter destruction, for had the Dutch gained
the same advantage over us, we have now the most convincing
Proofs to conclude the remembrance of Amboyna would have
been lost in their treatment of this Colony.

" Mr Bisdom was in a dying condition during the whole
transaction, and opposed jointly with Messrs Quydland and
Bacheracht the violence of their proceedings, but they were
over ruled by the rest of their Council, led by Messrs Vermet
and Schivechaven, two men of desperate fortunes and violent
and evil principles, who we doubt not will pay severely for their
impudence."

PART II.

■eSi

^^RCHIBALD SWINTON was now with the Army under
^^^ leadership of Colonel Ford and Captain Knox in or
round about Chunapore, and a fragment of his journal
roughly jotted down at the time commences December 27th,
1759, a week or two after the battle with the Dutch. The
Army are now taking the field against Shah Alum or the Shah
Zadah, the son of the Great Mogul, and Mr Law and his
Frenchmen who have joined him. These portions of journal
are all fragmentary, consequently begin and end abruptly.
Indeed, when the journeys by river and land, and the distance
of time since they were written, are considered, it is wonderful
so much is preserved.

Archibald Swinton's Journal.

December 27th, 1759. — From Sickliagut passed Huttea, Augerdeep,
Butul, Keala, and Polwary. To Palassy. 17 miles.

28th. — Passed Mongerparra, Doudpoore, and Burwah, and Chuna-
poore where the Army lay. To Cossinbazar. 21 miles.

January 6th, 1760.— Col. Clive and Col. Ford arrived in camp at
Chunapoore. 8th. — They marched from Chunapoore and crossed the river
below Cassimbazar.

9th. — The rest of the Army marched from Chunapoore and encamped
at Ghisabad.*

January 18th.— Marched from Ghysabad.

ToGouda - - - - Smiles.

,, 19th. — Passed Mahometpoore.

,. „ To Belgooty - - - 10 miles.

„ 20th.— To Auringabad - - - 11 miles.

,, 21st. — Passed Donnapoore.
„ ,, To Bonneagong - - - 14 miles.

* Cailland (called from the Carnatic) took over the command from
Colonels Clive and Ford, who departed for Europe, and the young Nabob
Meeran joined with 15,000 horse and foot and 25 cannon.
B

18 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

January 22nd. — Passed Bonneagong, Gurrahmurrah, Turukabad,

Dowgutchi, and Futtapoore.
,, ,, To Futtapoore - - - 12 miles.

,, 23rd. — Passed DuanuUah, and Rajahmaul.
,, ,, To Duanhaat - - - 11 miles.

„ 24th.— Halted.

,, 25th. — Passed Mus Barry to Goverpoore 12 miles.
,, 26th. — Passed Siklia Gurry.

To Ganga Persaad - - 14 miles.

,, 27th. — Passed Telia Gurry.

To Shahabad - - - 8 miles.

,, 28th and

29th.— Halted.
,, 30th. — Passed Bannapoore.

To Poyntea - - - 6 miles.

Halted here till the 8th of Feby.
February 7th. — The Purreah Rajah met Major Cailland* in the

middle of the river, and came on board his boat,

where everything was pacifically accommodated

between them.
„ 8th. — Passed Pialapoore & Shahabad.

To Sultan Seray - - - 16 miles.

,, 9th. — Passed Colgang.

To Causpoore - - - 13 miles.

,, 10th. — Passed Furaka Chokee.

To Gous Khan's Tank - - 11 miles.

,, 11th. — Passed Baglypoore & Champanagurr.

To Chickaraun - - - 13 miles.

In the evening arrived from Patna the news of the Victory
gained by the Shah Zadah over Ram Narrain.

,, 12th. — Passed Chickraun, Merra barra. Sultan Gunga, &

Tongera.

To Goorgut - - - 14 miles.

,, 13th. — Passed Goorgut & Saffiabad.

To Dekria Nullah near Mongeer 14 miles.

,, 14th. — To Hybat Gunje - - - 11 miles.

,, 15th. — Passed Suraja Gurra, Nabob Gunje, Rui Nullah,

Lechmepoore and Burrei.

To Derriapoore - - - 25 miles.

* Major Cailland's Narrative is often quoted in Indian History.

t N.B. — The English who remained alive fought their way to the City
of Patna, led by Dr Fullarton, and had the courage to retire in the face
of a victorious enemy without shrinking.

AND PORTRAITS 19

The Battalion and part of the Sepoys march^ from the
ground near Hybat Gunje at 25 minutes past 4 in the After-
noon, the artillery having been sent forward, with an Escort of
Sepoys at 12 at noon. The Army reached Ruinullah at about
10 at night, where the artillery was then encamped. After a
halt of an hour and a quarter at Ruinullah they proceeded to
Derriapoore, and arrived there at 25 minutes past three the
next morning, passed three dry and two wet nullahs ; over the
last were bridges.

February 16th.— Halted.

,, 17th.— Passed Sunar, More Serang Chokee, and Panarac.
To Barr - - - - 19 miles.

18th.— Halted.

Received intelligence from Patna that the Shah Zadah had
marched from thence and had encamped at Raunah Seray.
,, 19th. — Passed Jelgovan <fe Ratman quegola.

To Calladera - - - 7 miles.

Found the Shah Zadah encamped about five miles from
Calladera; in the evening the Major rode out to reconnoitre the
enemy, saw their colours very plain, and approached within a
mile and a half of them.
„ 20th.— Halted.
21st.— Halted.

Violent rain in the night prevented the Nabob's marching.
Mr Wilson, with a Battalion of Sepoys, this day joined the
Army from Patna.

February 22nd, 1760. — From Calladerah to Cirsey 5 miles.

Here Lieut. Brown joined the Army with a Detachment of
25 men.

While the Tents were pitching the Major rode towards the
encampment of the enemy to reconnoitre, and took possession
of two villages, about a mile in the Front of his Camp, where
he posted two companies of Sepoys and a battalion of Sepoys
in their rear at a small Distance to support them in case they
were attacked; these villages were situated rather obliquely
towards the Front of the enemy and were near a mile and a
half from the center of their Camp. They very soon discovered
by some flying partys of horse the approach we had made

20 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

towards them, for it was presently observed that they had
advanced some cannon in front and a body of Horse, the Major *
perceiving this ordered out a Picquet of Europeans with a
battalion of Sepoys and two guns to reinforce the Party in the
Villages and in this posture both sides remained inactive for at
least an hoar. At Eleven o'clock word was brought from the
villages that the Enemy were seen to be in Motion on all sides,
and the Major riding to an Eminence on the left found that the
Shah Zadah had struck his camp, and was in full march, but which
way was not yet very clearly distinguished. But a motion they
soon after made towards our left, and a body of Horse which
appeared rising from behind a small hill on the right, convinced
him they intended that day to draw out their whole Force.

Upon this he gave orders for the Army to march up and
the Nabob with his Troops immediately to follow the whole
was formed between the two villages, the Europeans in the
centre and the Sepoys divided on the right and left of them,
the guns in the Interval and the villages on the flanks of the
whole.

The Nabob (Meeran) by a Disposition before agreed on,
was to have been with his army drawn up in an even line in
the rear of the Major's line, which together with the villages
would have covered almost his whole front and his wings only
would have been left exposed. But instead of this he crowded
his whole Force in a confused multitude upon the right, nor
could all the Persuasions of the Major induce him to alter his
situation and form them into better order, but thus they stood,
a Body of 15,000 men with a front of scarce 300 yards in a
tumultuous heap. Thus his inflexibility had very near lost him
the day.

The enemy now advanced very quick and in appearance
directed their motions towards our left, the guns were turned
that way and played upon them very warmly as they came on,
but unable to withstand so hot a fire, they still inclined more
and more to the left, till they at length got quite in oar rear.

* Major Cailland.

AND PORTRAITS 21

Then we left them, for an object of more Importance now
converted our attention to the right. The enemy had lonf^
descried the Nabob from the Number of Colours around him.
Their motion to the left appeared a Finesse only to engage us,
while led on by Kamdar Khan they bore down, the best and
bravest of their Troops against the Nabob. Our cannon were
again ordered to be turned, and with 5 or 6 pieces of the
Nabob's we again cannonaded them as they approached in a
long column, but with little effect, for they still advanced with
great rapidity and resolution, and indeed were received on the
Nabob's side with much more Bravery than was expected.
They had now passed the Nabob's cannon, which were deserted
in an instant, and engaged hand to hand cutting away for about
10 minutes, when the Nabob's troops began to give ground,
and the enemy seemed to have much the advantage of the
battle.

It was then at this critical juncture that the Major headed
his Sepoys himself, and led them on to the Nabob's assistance,
unregarded by the enemy they drew up upon their flank and
poured in their whole fire, then pushed in with their bayonets,
and drove them back in a moment. This Body recoiled upon
a second, that upon a third, the Nabob's Horse galloped
in amongst them all, and the whole plain was cleared in an
instant.

They were pursued about three miles (| of a mile) and the
night favoured their retreat. But while we had thus beat
them on this side, the body which had advanced first on our
Left, and afterwards inclined towards our rear, rode round in
the heat of the engagement, and plundered our camp, and then
made off after the rest, but most of the things were again
recovered. The Victory was complete, we took 17 pieces of
cannon, the action lasted from 12 a.m. till 3. Yet among such
numbers engaging there was not in all above 400 killed and
wounded.

The Emperor fled the same night to Bahar, a town ten miles oflF. On
the 29th Meeran and the English marched there and onwards, a long and
diflficult march across the mountains to Moorshedabad.

22 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

February 24th. — Passed Eannah Seray.

To Mussimpoore - - - 14 miles.

,, 25th. — Passed Bycentpoore and Futwa.

To Jaffier Cawn's Gardens - - 10 miles.

„ 26th.— Passed Futwa.

To Bunnell - - - - 10 miles.

The Army marched this morning from Jaffier Khan's
Garden, passed the Bridge at Futwa, there struck off into the
Road leading towards Bahaar, and marched over a large plain
to Bunnell ,

The Major went this morning to Patnato visit Ram Narrain,
and spent the rest of the day and the following night at the
English Factory.

„ 27th.— Halted.
The Major, from Patna, paid a visit to the young Nabob,
and then proceeded to the Camp.

,, 28th. — To Shahzadpoore - - - 3 miles.

29th.— Halted.
March 1st.— Halted.
,, 2nd.— Halted.

Received advice that the Shah Zadah had made a march of
10 coss eastward of Bahaar.*

,, 3rd. — Passed Dunnel, Futwa, Byeuntpoore.

To Massimpoore - - - 12 miles.

The Enemy having made a forced march from Bakaar,
eastward, to enter the Province of Bengal, obliged the Nabob
and the Major to make all possible haste back again to prevent
their progress.

,, 4th. — Passed Rannah Seray.

To Cirsey - - - - 14 miles.

„ 5th. — Passed Calladera, Ratmanquegola and Jelgovan.

To Bar - - - - 9 miles.

„ 6th. — The Troops embarked on board the Boats at Bar, and

proceeded to Derriapoore - 19 miles.

The Artillery, with the Sepoys and Baggage, marched by

Land.

,, 7th.— To RuinuUah - - - 8 miles.

* A coss is about 2 miles. The Shah Zadah is Shah Alum, leading
" The Enemy." The Nabob is the young Nabob Meeran, allied to the
British.

AND PORTRAITS 23

The Europeans in Boats, the Artillery & Sepoys by Land.
Received advice that the Shah Zadah was incamped at about
5 coss distance near the hills.
March 8th.— Halted.

At 7 o'clock the Major rode to reconnoitre among the Hills,
and climbing to the top of one of them had an extensive pro-
spect of the Country all round, not the least sign of the Enemy
were to be seen ; it seems they had decamped the night before,
and retired among the hills.

„ 9th. — To Nabob Gunje - - - 5 miles.

„ 10th. — To Belgooda - - - 6 miles.

,, 11th. — To Pachna - - - - 6 miles.

,, 12th. — To Seersundee - - - 8 miles.

,, 13th.— To Modosemilia - - - 13 miles.

„ 14th.— Halted.

„ 15th.— Halted.

„ 16th.— Gudovra - - - - 7 miles.

„ 17th.— Halted.

„ 18th.— Halted.

,, 19th. — Passed Junneah.

To Domireah - - - 11 miles.

,, 20th.— To the entrance of the Pass - 6 miles.

„ 21st.— Halted.
All day the Bildars at work in the Pass. A Storm of Hail.

,, 22nd.— Through the pass to Chaukwayeh - 9 miles.
The pass is about four coss (8 miles) long, and in many
places very difficult to march through, having many steep
declivities and ascents, and large rocky stones lying in the
road. The first part of it is between several hills, the latter
thro' a thick jungle ; about the middle of it is a rivulet of clear

water.

23rd.— Halted.
,, 24th.— Rain.

ToRuerah - - - - 14 mUes.

About Ruerah the country extremely woody ; two Coss and
a half from the place is a Pagoda called Bajanant, which the
Jentoos hold in great veneration, and come from the most
distant parts of Bengal to worship and wash there. There is
nothing very remarkable in the appearance of the Pagoda,

24 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

which is dedicated to the Idol Maadil, but the village of
Baganant is a most charmiDg spot in the depth of woods, and
in the middle of it a Fort.

March 25th. — Rained.

To Bellowry - - - 6 miles.

,, 26fch.— Thro' Seray.

To Seerkut - - - - 17 miles.

,, 27th. — To Oparbaund - - - 13 miles.

,, 28th. — To Jamjourai - - - 10 miles.

,, 29th.— Thro' Coorahut

To Beerboon - . - 24 miles.

30th.— Thro' Booleagatt.

To Sooly - - - - 14 miles.

The road this day but very indifferent, mostly thro' a Jungle,
tho' not so close and thick as the two former days. Six miles
round the City of Beerboon is a ditch and bank which forms a
very strong and tenable post, particularly at the village of
Booleagatt having a very thick Jungle on the outside, the
passage thro' it is over a small bridge beyond which is a Gate-
way, at the extremity a narrow turning. Just within the bank
is two tanks.

,, 31st,— Halted.
April 1st. — To Ambarra - - - - 18 miles.

,, 2nd. — Thro' Attinda and over the River Adgoy.

To Jussera - - - - 10 miles.

,, 3rd.— Halted.
,, 4th. — Over the River Agi in two places.

To Mungalcoote - - - 7 miles.

This day joined Cassim Ali Khan, the Nabob's * son-in-law,
together with a party of 300 Europeans, with two field pieces,
under his command.

,, 5th. — Mungalcoote Haraul.

To Sakerakahaat - - - 8 miles.

„ 6th.— Simdal.

To Bearpoore - - - 8 miles.

Crossed one nullah (no bridge), the country very open and
seems well improved.

* Nabob Jaffier AUi Cawn.

AND PORTRAITS 25

About 8 o'clock the Major having descried a party of the
Enemy halted the battalion and formed them in order of battle
at the Village of Sindel, but this proving to be only a large
drove of cattle the Battalion marched and encamped at
Beerpoore.

About one an Alarm being given of the Enemies' approach
the whole line turned out and remained under arms near an
hour, and a detachment of 2 Platoons of Europeans, 2 guns,
and 2 companies of Sepoys was sent to support the Nabob.
But only a few straggling Maharattas appearing on the skirts
of the camp the Troops returned to their Tents.

April 7th. — Thro' Conchanagurr.

To Bellgass - - - . 6 miles.

The Army marched over the fields until they came to the
Banks of the Dammoodah, where they perceived the Enemy
encamped on the opposite side. When the Army came opposite
to them Major Cailland ordered up two pieces of cannon which
playing upon them briskly for about a quarter of an hour
obliged them to quit the banks of the river and retire further
into the country. The Troops then encamped close to the
river side.

„ 8th.— Halted.

,, 9th. — Crossed the River Dammoodah and encamped on the
opposite side ; the River very shallow, and about
400 yards over.
,, 10th. — To Sangal Gola - - - 6 miles.

The country open, level, and fertile, producing the grain
peculiar to the country in great abundance, but a good deal
encumbered with low thorny bushes. Encamped by the
river side close to a very fine tope, the Nabob's army in

our rear.

„ 11th.— Halted.

,, 12th. — Passed Nawgutti.

To Omarpoore - - - 10 miles.

Crossed two branches of the Dammoodah separated by a
small slip of land. This march, the most pleasant of the whole
campaign hitherto, all along the banks of the river adorned
with a succession of beautiful topes (little woods) and an avenue
of fine trees, ranging for 4 or 5 miles, a delightful tract of land,

26 SWINTON FAMILY BECORDS

rich and plentiful, and a great many of the fields planted with
sugar canes.

April 13th— Halted.

,, 14th. — To Degnagurr - - - 10 miles.

Crossed one small nullah and passed thro' an open country
interspersed with variety of topes and seemed to be entirely
cultivated with rice. Encamped close to the village of
Degnagurr. Near the camp two topes.

„ 15th.— Halted.

,, 16th.— „
In the afternoon Captain Knox set out with a detachment
of three companys, two field pieces and one battalion of Sepoys
for Patna.*

,, 17th. — To Organy ... - 7 miles.

,, 18th. — Passed Serypoore, Rampoore, Mungalcoote.

,, ,, To Mungalcoote - - - 11 miles.

,, 19th. — Passed Madga Seray.

,, ,, To Dunkuneah - - - 7 miles.

,, 20th. — Passed Burrah, Cutwah.

,, ,, To Gopera - - - - 8 miles.

The Army was this day very long on the march by crossing
the river at Cutwah, the water being very deep. The country
much the same as yesterday, encamped on a very good spot
nigh to a large tope.

,, 21st. — Passed Coolburreah.

,, ,, To Palassy - - - - 8 miles.

The whole country round about extremely pleasant and full
of topes.

,, 22nd.— Halted.
Captain M'Lean with the two Battalions of Sepoys from the
Deccan arrived and joined the Army at Palassy. The Major in
the evening proceeded to Doudpoore house on his way to
Cassimbazar.

* Patna was being besieged by the Shah Zadah and Mr Law
when Captain Knox set out with a flying column. Under the burning
heat of a Bengal sun he performed the march from Moorshedabad to
Patna in the extraordinary space of thirteen days, himself marching on
foot to encourage the men. Surprised the enemy when asleep and drove
them from their works.

AND PORTRAITS 27

April 23rd.— The Major went from the Doudpoore, two coss. The
Army marched from Palassy to Burrewah, 10 miles.
,, 24th.— The Major went four coss to Moradbang. The Army

marched from Burrewah to Chunapoore, 10 miles.
,, 25th.— The Army marched from Chunapoore across the river,
6 miles.
The young Nabob made an entertainment for the Major,
at the Palace of Surajah Dowlah, the late Nabob.

,, 26th.— The Army marched from the river to Ghysabad, 8
miles, where they halted till the 16th of May.
May 16th. — The Detachment under Captain Yorke marched from
Ghysabad to Gaudee, 8 miles.
,, 17th. — The Detachment marched from Gaudee to Belgootty,
10 miles.
The Major set out for Moradbang and lay at Saddoc Bang, a
garden house of the old Nabob.

,, 18th. — The Detachment halted. This day the Major arrived
from Saddoc Bang at the camp.
On the 7th of May, when the Army lay at Ghysabad, after
a most sultry day, there suddenly fell an extraordinary shower
of hail about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, attended with a strong
wind, and followed by a very heavy rain. The hailstones were
of an uncommon size, weighing from 10 to 14 ounces each.
,, 19th. — The Detachment halted.

,, 20th. — From Balgooly to Auringabad - 11 miles.

,, 21st. — To Dounapoore - - - 12 miles.

Downapoore is a large village situated on an extensive
plain, and surrounded with a fine wood.

,, 22nd. — To Gurrahmurrah - - - 11 miles.

Passed Bonneagang.
Encamped close to the river on a fine spot.

,, 23rd. — To Balkisnah's Gardens. Balkisna Bang, 10 miles.
Passed Furakabad, Dougootchy, FuUahpoore.
The Army encamped close to the river side on a very good
ground near a fine tope, about a coss from the entrance of
Rajahmahl. Here the Army halted till the 1st of June.

June 1st. — Marched from Balkisna Bang to Govenpoore, 16 miles.
Passed through Rajamahl Duanhaat, Meer Barry.
The encampment on a very bad spot, overrun with high
grass, and the water bad. A very good tope about a mile and
a half farther.

28 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

June 2nd. — From Govenpoore to Ganga Persaad, 14 miles.
Passed through Siklia Gurry.
,, 3rd. — From Ganga Persaad passed Pelliagurry to Shah Abad,

8 miles.
,, 4th. — Passed Pialo Poore.

To Sultan Serai - - - 10 miles.

,, 5th. — To Colgung - - - - 10 miles.

,, 6th. — Passed Gaseepoore and Furaka Chaukee.

To Gausee Khan's Tank - - 14 miles.

Crossed the nullah in three places, a bridge over two of
them.

,, 7th. — Passed Baglypoore and Champanagurr.

To Chickeraun - - - 13 miles.

,, 8th. — Passed Chickeraun, Meerbarry, and Sultan Gunje.

To Jehan Geer or Jongeer - - 13 miles.

,, 9th. — Passed Goorgut and Suffiabad.

To Dekrinullah - - - 15 miles.

This day the Battalion embarked on board of boats, and
proceeded to Mongeer. The Artillery and Sepoys marched by

land.

,, 10th. — From DekrianuUah to Hybat Gunje 12 miles.

The Battalion went by water.

,, 11th. — Passed Suraje Gurrah and Nabob Gunje.

To Rui Nullah - - - 14 miles.

The Battalion proceeded by water, the Artillery and Sepoys
by land. /

,, 12th. — Passed Lucknapoore and Burry.

To Derriapoore - - - 10 miles.

The Battalion by water.

,, 13th. — Passed Sunar More Serang Chokee.

To Pannarac - - - 10 miles.

Part of the Troops which had come up marched by land
with the Artillery and Sepoys.

,, 14th. — Many of the boats with the soldiers not coming up,
the army was obliged to halt for them. Lieut.
Matthews with a Battalion of Sepoys being sent to
Bar, burnt and destroyed all Kaudin Hassein
Kahn's boats.

,, 15th. — Halted. The boats not coming up.

,, 16th. — Passed Bar.

To Jelgovan - - - - 10 miles.

AND PORTRAITS 29

About nine in the morning heard the firing of guns. Eight
companies of Sepoys were detached to Rupe, news being
brought that Captain Knox was engaged with Caudim Hassein
Khan. The Army marched in the afternoon to Rupe.

June 16th. — From Jelgovan to Rupe - - 5 miles.

When the Army arrived at Rupe the Major detached 500
Sepoys to the assistance of Captam Knox, and prepared to
cross the Army over the river. Accordingly 2 pieces of cannon
were embarked, but on fresh intelligence the design of crossing
was laid aside.

,, 17th. — Passed Calladurra, Mannaserai, and Massinpoore.
To Byeuntpoore - - - 15 miles.

This morning the news arrived that Caudim Hassein Khan
had attacked Captain Knox's party at a place called Biddapoore,
opposite Jaffier Khan's gardens.

Captain Knox had possessed himself of an advantageous
post with 200 Europeans, 600 Sepoys, 300 horse, and 5 pieces
of cannon. They attacked him with 10,000 horse and foot and
30 pieces of cannon. The action lasted from sunrise till 2 in
the afternoon. The Enemy were repulsed with the loss of
about 300 men and two elephants killed on the spot, all their
wounded they carried off. On our side 15 Europeans killed and
wounded, and 50 or 60 Sepoys and Lascars. The Major this day
left the Army and went to Patna, where he heard the above news.
,, 18th. — Passed Futwa.

To Jaflfier Khan's Gardens - - 10 miles.

„ 19th.— Halted.

,, 20th. — The troops marched in the evening to Patna.
,, 21st. — The troops crossed the river and encamped at Sidi

usman Serai, about two coss from the river.
„ 22nd.— Halted.
,, 23rd.— Passed Rajah Paulk.

ToMowah - - - - 12 miles.

Crossed a nullah waist high ; no bridge,

,, 24th.— From Mowah to Nunah Nuddee - 11 miles.
A violent rain the whole march. Crossed another nullah
waist high. No bridge. Lodged the men in huts.
„ 25th.— Passed Seidpoore and Maduflferpoore.

ToShittee - - - - 16 miles.

30 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

After a march of about six coss (12 miles) we came in sight
of the enemy's rear guard (about 10 o'clock). Advised of our
approach they had just struck their camp wherein they left 12
small guns, and began their march ; our army followed them to
the extremity of a large plain, two coss, where they made a
stand among some topes and villages (in order to amuse us and
give their baggage time to get off, which they were just then
come up with, and which must inevitably have fallen into our
hands if we had pushed on briskly to them) a mutual (distant)
cannonading ensued and continued about four hours, during
which they fired about 20 shot. Once or twice a large body of
horse made some appearance of attacking us, but our artillery
playing very briskly upon them effectually stopped them
{N.B., four or five men being killed by it). About 3 o'clock in
the afternoon they quitted the field, leaving behind them 9
more large pieces of cannon, as many camels, and a number of
empty Hackery's which they had unloaded of their Treasure
during the action.

The Nabob all the while kept a mile in the rear looking
on, but not one of his people engaged.

We had one European killed and one wounded, and two or
three black people. After the action Sergt. Tate was taken
prisoner and immediately hanged for desertion. The troops
lay all that night in the village of Kittee, in which is a small

post.

June 26th. — Passed Sien and Hadgeree.

To Pansruckee - - - 14 miles.

,, 27th. — From Pansruckee through Messy - 7 miles.

The Army passed through Messy, a large town, where the

enemy had abandoned several more of their Hackerys, and a

good deal of their baggage.

,, 28th. — Passed Burmundea.

To Bulwah Pukree - - - 10 miles.

The road remarkably good, and the country extremely
pleasant and fruitful, as it has been all the way, on this side
the Ganges. The Army encamped on the banks of the little
Gunduh.

AND POETRAITS 31

June 29fch. — Passed Ruttenpoore, Muttorapoore.

To Ambooah - - - 12 miles.

,, SOfch. — Passed Lowar and Conchaddea.

To Muknow - - - 12 miles.

Passed a deep nullah.
July 1st. — Passed Barutfc and Lukraan.

To Benteah - - - - 11 miles.

In the beginning of the march passed the nullah, which
was chin deep. The road pretty good, but three coss of it was
through a thick jungle with a nullah on one side of it, however
there is another road over a plain to Benteah. A long foot
causeway (not paved) reach several coss from the town, encamped
within a mile of the fort.*

,, 2nd. — Passed Benteah, Mutteah, and Benseah.

To Lusmipoore - - - 12 miles.

„ 3rd.— Halted.

This day was rendered remarkable by the death of the
young Nabob, who was struck dead by lightning as he lay in
his tent, between twelve and one in the morning.f

,, 4th. — Passed Mutteah and Banseah.

To Benteah - ... 8 miles.

Gave over pursuing the Purneah Nabob, who is now about
18 miles off from Lusimpore on the banks of the great Gunduk,
which he cannot pass for want of boats.

The Army encamped eastward of Benteah about a mile
from it.

,, 5th. — Halted.
„ 6th.— Halted.
,, 7th. — From Benteah to Sickownah - 6 miles.

This day the troops marched in the rear of the Nabob's
army.

,, 8th. — Passed Barutt Luckraun and Kirmnawah.

To Muknow - - - - 8 miles.

* From Benteah to Napall 61 coss (122 miles). From Benteah
to Lama, the capital of Thibet, 35 days march.

+ All his attendants in the tent were also killed, and his followers
much discouraged by this bad omen.

32 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Passed the nullah by a bridge made by people sent on two
days before.

July 9th. — Passed Conchuddea and Lowar.

To Ambooah - - - - 14 miles.

,, 10th. — Passed Muttriapoore and Ruttenpoore.

To Bulwa Pukree - - - 11 miles.

,, 11th. — Passed Bulwah Pukree and Burmundea.

To Messy or Meassy - - 10 miles.

,, 12th. — From Messy to Doorjun Serai - 11 miles.

Passed a nullah, the waters of which were near breast high.
,, 13th.— Passed Byah.

To Jaidpoore - - - 8 miles.

Passed a large and deep nullah.
,, 14th. — Passed Singee.

To the Company's house at Singee - 16 miles.
„ 15th.— Halted.
,, 16th. — Passed Guddy Serai, Nizam Gunje.

To Hadgipoore - - - 10 miles.

The Major made this march with only a Company of
Europeans, the Sepoys and two pieces of artillery, and the
Nabob's army, the rest of the troops were left at Singee, where
they remained till the 28th, when they also marched to
Hadgipoore, joined the former detachment, and encamped on
the banks of the Ganges. At Hadgipoore the great Gunduk
flows in the Ganges.

29th. — The army crossed the river and took up their
quarters at Moolidar's gardens, Meer Abzul's gardens, and the
French factory at Patna, consisting of five companies of foot
(340), with 10 field pieces and 2 Howitz, 1 company of artillery
(70), and three battalions of Sepoys (3200), besides two com-
panies who were ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go
down to Calcutta.*

After the above date, there are no entries in the small book
of Journal until the following November, but I found an
account of the Battle of Gaiah, which „took place fifteen days
later, written by Archibald Swinton himself, as well as a fuller
account written by Gilbert Ironside on loose sheets of paper,
fortunately complete.

* Troops distributed in winter quarters.

AND PORTRAITS 33

November 22nd, 1760.— From five in the morning till six
at night, from Bogwangola to Nabob Gunje, about two coss
below the mouth of the Cass river, where I had the pleasure of
meeting Atchumbah.

There are some entries of daily marches during December,
ending with the mere date Jan. 1st 1761, followed by blank
pages, evidently left with the intention of ultimately recording
the Battle of Gaiah, Jan. 15th, 1761. The Journal is not
resumed again until November 1761.

Archibald Swinton's Account of the
Battle of Gaiah.

Major Carnac, as soon as he took command of the Army at
Patna, marched in quest of the Shah Zadah,* whose Army had
wintered in the heart of the Baher province unmolested. He
came up with him on the 15th of January 1761, and gained a
complete victory without the least assistance from Cossim Ali
Cawn, the new Nabob. On the contrary, his forces, astonished
and discontented at the revolution, at first refused to march
from Patna, but finding Major Carnac was determined to act
against the Shah Zadah independently of them, they followed
him reluctantly, but never were of the least utility to him in
the Action, and he had more to dread from their treachery —
they being in his rear — than from the enemy he was about to
engage. The happy success attending this enterprize kept
them to their duty, and was the means of establishing the
tranquility of the three provinces.

Mr Law, with most of his party of Frenchmen, were taken
prisoners, and the Shah Zadah was so closely pursued that he

* The Shah Zadah is Shah Alum, a great-grandson of Aurungzebe.
C

34 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

found himself reduced to the necessity either of abandoning
his Army and quitting the Provinces with a few followers, or of
trusting to the Major's generosity by putting himself in his
power. He chose to risk the latter, and desired that a gentle-
man might be sent to inform him in what manner he would be
treated. The Major was pleased to send me, and according to
my instructions, I assured his Majesty that he might depend
on being received and entertained with all possible deference
and respect, and that the Major would consider his life and
honour as his own. On these assurances he determined to
submit to the Major, and taking a moderate but splendid retinue
with him, ordered me to conduct him to the English camp. So
extraordinary a sight as the Emperor of Hindostan (for he was
even then universally considered as such) throwing himself
upon the protection of an English Army with whom he had but
a few days before engaged in the field, filled the breast of every
one with such admiration and delight that I am persuaded
there was not a private soldier or sepoy in our Army who would
not have risked his life in his defence, and fought for him with
more zeal and fidelity than his own troops.

Major Carnac, whose heart is all sensibility, received him in
the kindest and most respectful manner, and could hardly
refrain from tears. Nazars were presented to him by the
General and other ofiicers, and after a short visit he re-
turned highly pleased to his own Army, which was but a few
miles off".

Next day both Armies marched near each other, as was
concerted, towards Patna.

Another Account of the Battle of Gaiah,
BEING A Letter from Gilbert Ironside.

" Sir,—

" The last time I had the honour of addressing you was
from this place, under date the 20th December, wherein I

AND PORTRAITS 35

mentioned the respectful 1 liberty I should take to trouble you
with another letter if anything material occurred before the
departure of the latter ships. 1 ^^ 1 Q/? f~ /9

JL /»..y Jl. «Z? 'tS: O -i

" This short interval has produced indeed a series of events
the most fortunate that could happen for the affairs of India,
the two principal points in view, the possession of Dondi-
cherry, and the reduction of the Shahzadah being happily
accomplished.

" Our army in Bengal, from many obstacles on the part of
the Nabob's troops, were prevented taking the fields untill the
beginning of the year, for it was a long time before Major
Carnac could prevail on so many unpaid, and for that reason
dissatisfied people, to remove themselves from Patna and follow
him, and to leave them there was to abandon the city to that
danger which threatened from their known disaffection.

" However the day at length arrived when we met the
enemy, who appeared on the 15th of January on the banks of
the Swan, a river about 10 coss W. of Bahar. Under cover of
the cannon we immediately crossed, and without any opposition,
for the enemy, retired to the distant shelter of some banks and
ditches, left a free passage, and thus lost the fairest occasion
they could meet with to take us at a disadvantage while our
troops were divided by the water. When the guns' ammunition
had passed the river, we hastened to drive them from their
intrenchment. On our approach they instantly abandoned it
and retreated to another, equally tenable with the former, had
they been resolute to defend it, but this too they quitted, as we
advanced, were dispossessed also from a third, before they made
a stand and drew up in some order upon a large plain.* We
still kept moving towards them, cannonading as we marched,
and expected the moment their horse could begin the charge,
but a lucky ball from a twelve-pounder killing the driver of the

* Plains of Gaiah.

36 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

elephant on which the Shahzadah * was mounted, the beast,
deprived of his guide, turned about and carried his rider and
consequently all his followers with him into the rear. This
very much disconcerted them, and the artillery being served
very briskly just at that time, they could stand no longer. They
all followed their leader and fled in great disorder.

" The pursuit continued near three miles, when it being
observed that the French brought up their rear, Major Carnac
determined to make an effort at them, that at least they might
not escape with the rest. The guns were therefore left behind,
and two battalions of Seapoys with the Europeans made a push
at Mr Law. They played 6 pieces of small artillery as we
advanced, but being levelled too high the balls passed over us.
Our soldiers much to their credit passed their guns with
shouldered. . . . The French troops broke and ran away before
our Musquetry could reach them, not a shot was fired on our
side nor did we lose a single man. Mr Law with several of his
officers and 50 men were then taken, and best part of the
remainder have surrendered since. f The same night the Shah-
zadah fled beyond Bahar. Having few horse of our own, and
the Nabob's as well absolutely refusing to pursue, the Victory
was not so decisive as it might have been had the troops done
their duty. The Prince easily recollected his scattered forces
the next day, but no more respite was given him than was

* Shah Alum. There was found among the belongings of the Shah-
zadah upon the driverless elephant his Majesty's writing-desk or
" Kelemdar." It is an oblong box on a stand or small tray, lacquered,
with a gold ground, ornamented with the flower called " Herzargulah, "
and contains silver ink-holders, steel penknives with handles of the bone
of lion lish, and carved ivory implements and Persian letters gold
dusted, etc. The "lucky ball "from the twelve-pounder was fired by
Captain Bradbridge, and when it killed the Royal Elephant Driver, his
Majesty was forced to dismount, and the desk was taken. Archibald
Swinton preserved it, and brought it home with him, and it is now at
Kimmerghame,

t This battle was rendered famous in all accounts of this portion of
the history of Britain acquiring India by the capture of Mr Law. He
was the nephew of the Law of the great Mississippi scheme, and the

AND PORTRAITS 87

absolutely requisite for the relief of our owd people. The
Major pressed close upon him the morning after the battle, and
in a few marches reduced his army (retreating through a
country they had before laid waste) to the utmost distress for
substinence (sic).

" On the 29th the Prince sent an embassy to know the pro-
posals which would be accepted. The terms insisted on were
the instant dismission of Comda Khan, and confiding for the
rest that he would rely upon the honour and good faith of the
English nation. During their negotiation our marches were
rather quickened than delayed, and this accelerated their reso-
lutions, for the Prince seeing no hopes of protracting the time,
complied in a few days with the terms stipulated. Fhousdar
Khan was sent away, and the Shahzadah on the 7th of Feby.
joined the English Camp. On the 10th the Major marched
with him towards Patna, where we arrived the . . . and this
day the Prince is safely lodged in the Palace of Patna, an
event which has terminated the war in these parts. His main-
tenance is fixed at one thousand Rupees a day defrayed by the
Nabob.

" The Fhousdar of Beerboon refusing to acknowledge the
present Nabob, Major Yorke marched with a detachment
against him, drove him his capital into the hills, and appointed
another to govern this district in his stead.

" Captain White being sent with a body of 80 Europeans, 2
guns, and 300 Seapoys to quell some disturbances in Berdaowan,
was fallen upon by the Rajah of that place, whom he defeated,
and entered the town. He was afterwards ordered to join

leader of the French in Bengal. He had joined various Native Potentates,
and on the issue of he and his party, or the handful of British, winning
the day, hung the supremacy of the French or British in Bengal. The
scene when he was led a captive into the English camp, and hid himself
behind the palanquin curtains, and a Native Leader pushed in and said
jeeringly : " And Bibby Law " (Lady Law) ; " where is she ? " for which
he was sternly reprimanded by the English Commander, "It is not thus
we treat our fallen foes," is well known to readers of Indian History.

38 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Major Yorke at Beerboon, but when he approached he found
his communication with the Major's party cut oiF by 8 or
10,000 Marrattas. He fought them, repulsed their repeated
attacks, destroyed a great number of them, and at last took
possession of a post which he maintained for a long time, but
in the end would have been worsted for want of ammunition
when Major Yorke, who was luckily near enough to hear the
firing, made a forced march to his relief, upon which the
Marrattas dispersed and fled the province. These strokes have
entirely cleared the countries belonging to the Company of all
their enemies, and there seems from our late success and
present strength to be a fair prospect of a long and settled
peace.

" A violent storm blew lately off Madras. Two Men-of-War
of the line foundered in it. Most of the men as is reported
lost. Two ran ashore, one since got off, five were dismasted
otherwise damaged, but are again partly refitted, and only wait
for some masts to get off, the Men-of-War lately arrived from
England to be completely so.

" Dondickering fell the 16th of January, yielded at dis-
cretion for want of provisions. Colonel Coote would not grant
them no other terms than the whole garrison surrendering
prisoners of war. He took possession the same day of the
Niller gate, and the day following that of the Citadel.

" Colonel Coote is expected in Bengal with his regiment by
the latter end of next month. We shall then have a very
considerable force here, either to defend the country or to
support the title of the Shahzadah as was lately thought of to
the. . . .

" It is a very sensible satisfaction to the people on this side
the world that they have not themselves . . . while their
country were so well employed in Europe, and that everything
has been done which was left to do.

" The Mauritius and the island will we hope be the con-
quest of the Fleet.

AND PORTRAITS 39

" Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you on these many and
signal successes of the British arms, and once more to subscribe
myself

" Your very obliged

" And obedient Servant "
(From Gilbert Ironside.)
In June Carnac was recalled from Patna.

Next portion of Journal begins, November 6th, 1761 (after
rainy season).

A detachment of 200 Sepoys and 27 Europeans set out from
Morad Bang in boats at noon, having under their charge
twenty-four chests of treasure in as many boats containing
about 30,000 gold mohr and 200,000 rupees, besides about 150
other boats of provisions, etc. Halted at night near a mosque
a little way above the city.

November 7th. — Rowed - - - - 20 miles.

To Narsipoore about two or three coss
beyond Gundee (rowed) from 6 to 4.

„ 8th. 20 „

To Soontee (rowed) from 6 to 4.

9th. 24 „

Halted on the eastern side of the river after tracking from
6 in the morning till 7 at night; great part of the fleet could
not get up that night— one Treasure boat lost, but the Treasure
saved.

November 10th 12 mUes.

Halted near Futtapoore, from 7 till
2 p.m.

11th. 5 „

Balkisnah's garden, from 7 to 10.
„ 12th.— Halted.

13th. 7 „

Duanhaat.

14th.— Halted.

40 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

November 15th. - - - - - 12 miles.

Near Govenpoore, from 9 to 4.
Lost another Treasure boat but saved
the treasure,

16th. 18 „

Gonga Persaad, from 6 to 4.
17th. 18 „

About 6 miles above Poynlau, from
6 to 4.
18th.

On the eastern side of the river, from
6 to 4.

19th. 18 „

About 5 miles below Seepe Gunje,

from 6 to 4.
Lost another Treasure boat but saved
the treasure.

20th. 16 „

About 6 miles above Baglypoore, from
6 to 3. Contrary wind.
„ 21st. - - - - - 18 ,,

About 4 miles above Jehanquire, from
6 to 4. Near Goorgut.
„ 22nd. - - - - - 14 „

Gougry, from 6 to 4. Wind contrary
all day.

„ 23rd. 12 „

Mongeer, 6 to 2.

24th. 18 „

Hybat Gunje, from 6 to 4.
25th. - - - - - 18 „

Opposite to RuinuUah, from 6 to 4.
26th. - - - - - 18 „

To Derriapoore, from 6 to 3.

27th. 23 „

To Barr, from 6 to 6.
28th.
Here Captain Champion joined us from Patna and took
charge of the fleet, which halted a little above Barr till eleven
o'clock, when the Colonel and Major* crossed the river with

* Colonel Cailland and Major Carnac.

AND PORTRAITS 41

Kajah Bally, who had come to meet them, and left the fleet to
proceed to Patna with Captain Champion, while they lay this
night at Mahodeena Gurr, from whence they reached Hadgipoore
(16 coss) next day at 12 o'clock, and Patna at 4 in the
afternoon.

November 29fch, 30th.

Jaffier Khan's Gardens.
December 5th, 1761.

I left Patna at 2 in the morning, stopped 10 minutes with
Captain Bradbridge near Panarac about noon, and ten minutes
to let the Dandies go ashore ; passed some boats about 9 at
night, in which Mr Perry and some other officers ; passed
Mongeer about 10, stopped at 4 in the morning, having been
aground several times and being entangled among shoals out of
which we could not find a passage in the Dark, at Daybreak
(6th) discovered That we were near Gougry, from which place I
was no less than five hours & a half before I got to Jehanguir
owing to the slowness of the current and shallowness of the
river which had fallen much since the Col. went up, we being
obliged to drag both the Kelnah & Bhollio, with much labour,
over shallows, where the largest boats of the Colonel's fleet had
passed without interruption, which induced the Major to go
thro' this channel in preference to another further about only
15 days before ; about 10 o'clock, near Goorgut, saw a small
party of Horse marching towards Mongeer, who (as I was
informed by some country people who were making off in a
boat) belonged to the Carrickpoore Rajah, and were come from
burning and plundering the village of Baglypoore & country
about it, the Fort at that place being in possession of our
Sepoys and the Nabob's Topasses. I called to the horsemen
ashore, but as they returned no answer I ordered 4 Sepoys, who
were with me, to fire upon them as fast as they could while the
boat passed, to which the horsemen returned two or three shot,
at the same time retiring from the banks of the river, however
when I got a little further I thought proper to order the boats
to pull away further from the shore, upon discovering a con-
siderable body of Matchlock men close by the river side ; I

42 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

suppose they had only begun to light their matches & load, on
hearing the firing immediately before, which We still continued
and as they are not very expeditious there was but a few shot
fired by them before the boat was out of their reach.

I met some salt boats belonging to Mr Hay above Bagly-
poore, whom I informed of their danger and advised to cross
the river. Reached Seir Gunge about 2 o'clock p.m., where I
stopped half an hour to let the people buy provisions ; saw one
of the two Sepoys whom the Colonel had left here, and ordered
them to remain till my return. I did not stay to acquaint the
Rajah of my arrival, who they told me had delivered up two
horses to the Sepoys.

7th. — About 4 in the morning passed Mr Amyatt's boats
without stopping, & reached Ganga Persaad about 8, where All
Khonli Khan was encamped with most of his Troops, some
having been sent on. Here I was informed in passing that the
Colonel's Horses & Elephants were gone to Calgong. Passed
Rajahmahl at one o'clock, and came to, at ^ past eight, on the
eastern shore, the people being quite spent with fatigue, having
halted only three hours out of 66 and for want of sleep the two
preceding nights, tho' I had divided them into two watches,
and permitted the one half to sleep while the other rowed, but
they were so often disturbed, and obliged to go into the water
when the boat ran aground, that this was of little service to
them. Set out at 6 in the morning, passed Seeve Gunje on
the eastern shore, and reached Sada Gunje at 9 in the morning,
and spent two hours wrangling for a horse. To Cumra 3 coss,
from whence sent back the horse. To Dewan Serai 6 coss ; to
Boninea 4 coss, here took boat & proceeded to Moradburg 3|
coss, which I reached about 8 o'clock at night on the 8th inst.
(Deer- 1761.

During the year /62 the troops were inactive.

Early in 1763 Archibald Swinton was given the command
of an expedition to Meckley, which was a hilly country, bounded
on the north, south, and west by large tracts of Cookie
Mountains, and on the east by the Burampoota, beyond the

AND PORTRAITS 43

hills to the north by Assam, to the west Cashai, to the south
and east Burmah.

It will be remembered that in 1756 he was at Negrais, and
concerned in the war between Burmans and Peguans in the
dominions of the King of Ava, and the country of Meckley was
included in his kingdom, consequently it is presumable that
Archibald was already in some measure acquainted with the
dialect and people.

He says, "There is no intercourse between Meckley and
China, if they want to send a letter they cross the Burrampoota,
put the letter in a bamboo, which they hang to the end of
another bamboo and stick it in the ground on the Burmah
side."

The reason of this expedition is not very clear. Mention is
made of 100 Frenchmen and 30 English who were kept prisoners,
and forced to fight for the Birmans. It may have been to
release them, or more probably to assist some allied Rajah
or investigate the country to see if it would be a probable
settlement for the Company, as Archibald Swinton makes
careful notes of route, distance, and products and wealth of the
country.

He set out on Saturday, 21st of May 1763, taking Lieu-
tenants Scotland and Stables for Meckley. The rest of that
month he records negotiations with natives, on the route, for
provisions, etc., and further writes as follows : —

" June 27th. — Embarked at seven o'clock, rowed till seven
at night. Same, two till ten. Rowed till nine in the morning.
28th. — The . , . reached Silett, took three boats from a
Tanna a little above, promising to pay for, and dismiss them at
Dacca. Waited on the Phousdar and requested an immediate
supply of 50 Dandies and a few boats on the same terms. He
behaved with civility and sent them, but three of the principal
boats sank and most of the Dandies ran away soon after, one of
the artillery boats did not arrive till night. After repeated
messages to the Phousdar concerning boats and Dandies, I at
last sent to acquaint him that if they were not sent before
morning, I should be obliged to send Sepoys to take them,
which might cause a disturbance. Accordingly having waited

44 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

till seven in the morning, I sent the large boats on before and
crossed the river to Silett with 3 dingeys and 15 Sepoys, and
ordered them to take 3 pulmars which were lying at the Gaat,
which was opposed by some troops which seemed to be
stationed there to protect them — on which I landed the Sepoys
and made them load and fix their bayonets, and after warning
them of the consequences of resisting and the necessity I was
under of taking the boats as far as Dacca, I ordered 2 Sepoys
into each pulmar and the remainder into their own dingeys, on
which some drew their swords, others prepared their bows and
arrows and pointed them at us and some struck the Sepoys
with bamboos, on which I ordered five or six of them to fire.
Four men dropped, and the rest ran off a little way, then fired
their matchlocks and shot their arrows from behind walls, their
numbers increasing I took away their pulmars, and was about
to return when I perceived that Lieutenants Stables and
Scotland on hearing the firing had put off the other boats and
were coming to my assistance, on which I put ashore again, and
on their arrival marched towards the Kellar with about a
company, having first sent a message to the Phousdar demand-
ing satisfaction for the insolence of his people. He immedi-
ately sent a person with his hands bound, in token of submission,
begging me to halt and he would himself come out and meet
me, which he did in a few minutes in spite of the remonstrances
of his troops, who suspected treachery and that he would be
carried off. He met us with a few attendants within musket
shot of Kellar, where his troops were assembled.

"29th. — Set out from Silett about nine. Rained much.
Blowed a little squall, proceeded till 6 p.m. Halted in the
Jungle till eleven, then proceeded. Reached Resout Gunge
about seven a.m."

When on the expedition to Meckley he heard of the new
troubles in Bengal, and as the Council afterwards wrote in a
general letter: — "on being ordered to return to Dacca he
contributed greatly by his activity and bravery to recovering
the Factory and reduction of the City. From thence he made
the greatest expedition to join the Army."

AND PORTRAITS

45

He left Dacca on 4th August 1763, and rowed usually from
4 a.m. till 6 p.m. every day until the 17th, when they landed
and immediately marched, reaching the Army on the 19th.
It was under command of Major Adams, and was surrounding
the Enemy at a post called Auda Nullah, or sometimes spelt
Oudanullah. "The Enemy had strongly fortified this post. It
was protected on one side by the Mountains and on the other
side by the Ganges, and they had thrown up a great work and
mounted a hundred pieces of cannon, having in front a deep
ditch 54 feet wide, and full of water in every part.

The breadth of ground which the English had for carrying
on their approaches did not exceed 200 yards, and lay between
the swamp and the river, they therefore laid siege instead of
attacking, from the 21st of August till the 4th of September
1763, when the commander, tired of this slow procedure,
resolved to attack on the side of the Mountains. He sent

MONGHEER.
From a Contemporary Drawing

Major Towin with a chosen body of Europeans and Sepoys and
carried the entrenchments, when incredible slaughter and
confusion ensued, and the rout of the Indians was total." They

46 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

surrounded all but Mongheer, which the Nabob had made the
place of his residence, and it next surrendered to the English
after nine days' open trenches, during which Archibald Swinton
was severely wounded in the left arm.

Note. — Topasses, often referred to, signify black foot soldiers,
descended from Portuguese marrying natives, and were called Topasses
because they wore hats.

PART III.

.^E^IARLIER in this same year General Coote had been very
^^1 dissatisfied with what he observed of the state of mind
of the Nabob, Ali Cassim. He wrote warning the
Council that the Nabob was unfriendly and treacherous, but
they reproved him for too much firmness in his dealings,
ordered him to cut down expense by reducing the Army at
Patna, and bid him return, himself, to Calcutta.

Barely was he recalled than the Council repented and
wrote to him to remain where he was, but too late, as the letter
missed him. General Coote suspected that Cassim made an
attempt on his party while coming down the river, but that it
was carried out on Messrs Amyatt and Hay, who were killed,
June 24th, 1763.

Mr Ellis, Governor of Patna, was hot tempered and indiscreet,
and brought matters to a crisis by seizing the City of Patna.
Archibald Swinton has preserved three deeply interesting
accounts of what followed. One is the account of oar party at
Patna attacking the City, written by one of the five men whom
it records gave themselves up. The other is by Dr Anderson,
another of these five men. The third narrative is by Dr
Fullarton. It will be clearly understood that Mr Ellis and 48
gentlemen eventually were prisoners at Patna, some of whom
were Civil and some Military, and that five men were separate
at Mongheer, and Dr Fullarton kept near the person of the
Nabob. Somers, so often alluded to, was a German or German-
Swiss Renegade from European Forces, and was called by the
natives " Somroo."

48 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

[The spelling and grammar are unchanged.]

An Account of our Party at Patna Attacking the
City the 25th June, 1763.

On the 25th June about one o'clock in the morning the
Troops ware Ordered under arms and Divided into three
Divisions which consists of as follows.

The 1st Division.

Capfc. Charles Ernot Jacker
Lieut. Morris Roach
Ensign Hugh M'Kay

Private men - - 44

The 2nd Division.

Capt. Henry Somers
Ensign Sam Bluwitt
Ensn. John Perry

Private men - - - 44

The 3rd Division.

Capt. Ambrozer Perry
Esn. Jno. Armstrong
Ens. Willm. Crawford

Private men - - 44

132

The Division being telled off and compleated we ordered
the men into their Barricks as there was some drizzling rain,
about a Qr. before 2 o'clock Capt. Carstair's came on the parade
and ordered the Officers to their own Divisions and see that
they ware served 36 round each man, when compleated Capt.
Carstairs called for Lieut. Thomas Puckering and Ensign John
Guntree and ordered them to stay in the Gardens, with three
or four Companys of the Aukard Seapoys, to take care of the
Bagage. About 2 o'clock the whole marched to a mosk
oppersite Capt. Carstairs Gardens, when we passed the guns
and here marched into the Road that leads from Mitipoor right
to the Chuta Mutna of Patna, about J a mile from Meer

AND PORTRAITS 49

Abdoosta, About | past 3 o'clock took ten Harcarrab's in the
Road way, put them under a Guard of Seapoy's and kept them
along with us, about 4 in the morning we escalided the Bastion
on the south face of the city to the right of the Chuta Mutna,
where we entered. All the time we were entering the Seapoys
on the Cilasse kept a very heavy fire upon us, but did no
damage, Capt. Carstairs finding it was impossible to stop them
from firing, and that the Europians was very much exposed to
their fire, ordered us under a Bank that we might be more
secure from their fire, and to halt till the next of the Europians
was got in, as there was only the 1st Division and | the 2nd ;
the time that we were here was about | an hour, to the best of
my Judgment, and then marched from the west gate. In the
way we was a little Trubbelod with the enemy in firing a few
shott out from their straw houses, but did us no damage, when
arrived at the gate-way met with no resistance, and found the
gate shutt, we opened it and halted at this place a small time,
where we found Serjt. Price of Capt. Tabby's battalion of
Seapoys killed. We marched on from the gate opersite our
Factory, when we came there the enemy had been routed by
Capt. Tabby's Seapoys, but finding the gate shutt we opened
and let Lieut. Downey with 3 Companys of Seapoys belonging
to Capt. Turner's Battalion in, Capt. Tabby's Battalion still
engaging in the front and Ensign John Bluwitt with some
companies of Seapoys was engaging some of the enemy, that
was inlodged in Meer Abdoola's House. We halted about | an
hour and had something sent us out of the Factory, to refresh
us. In this time there was a message arrived to Capt. Carstairs
that the 3rd Division and i of the 2nd were engaging in the
main street. He immediately ordered us to face to the right
and march to the west gate where we found them engaging
some of the enemy in the main street. We joyned the 3rd
Division and | the 2nd and found a few of the enemys horse
which we soon despersed, still we kept marching on, with the
loss of a few men towards the Killa where we fired a shott or
two, we not seeing any Body, but the Burgandasses who was
making off as fast as they could, we left the Killa and marched
D

50 SWINTON FAMILY RECOEDS

for the east side where we halted 3 or 4 hours. Lieut. Downey
and Lieut. Perry and Ensn. Krafts we despatched to the Killa
as the enemy had got in again in a small time. After they
were marched Ensn. Krafts came back and Informed us that
they were engaging the enemy very hott, but that Lieut. Perry
was wounded and Lieut. Downey very much, and was not able
to get off. In about 2 or 3 minutes, Lieut. Perry was brought
in wounded, by a Seapoy. Still the Europins remaining on
the east Bastion in about half an hour after Lieut. Perry was
brought in, we was informed that the enemy had drove the
Seapoy's that was with Lieut. Downey and that he was cutt to
pieces, in a little time after this the enemy took possession of
the Bastion that overlooked us. The Europins gave them a
fire and went to the right about and would not obey the word
of command, but never stopt till they reached our factory,
which about 2 o'clock to the best of my judgment. I dont
think there was above a hundred men of the enemy that drove
us out of the City. Still kept firing from our Factory upon the
Enemy the remainder of the afternoon, and kept up a small
fire all the night. An account of the Officer's killed and
wounded as follows.

Capt. Ambraze Perrey - - 3rd Division

Lieutenant Downey - - - in the Seapoys

Lieut. M'Dowell - - - Quarter Master

Lieut. Reed - - - - in the Artillery

Officers wounded as follows : —

Captn. Charles Emot Jacket
Capt. George Willson
Lieut. Kichd. Perrey

Serjeants and Private men wounded and killed in all : —

Men wounded and killed - - - 37

Artillery men do. do. - - - - 10

June the 26th, 1763.

In the morning we began to canonade which the enemy
returned and killed us a man or two, and we kept up a very
brisk fire from the top of the house and our boats which the

AND PORTRAITS 51

enemy did return. About 2 and 3 o'clock in the afternoon
hove a shot or two out of the Howitz which did the enemy
some damage, but they still kept a brisk fire upon us. Mr
Ellis and Messrs Lushington Hewitt and Capt. Carstairs went
in to Mr ElHs's room and held a council what was best to be
done, in about half an hour it was determined to leave the
Factory and proceed for Souja Dowlah's country, on that they
sent Dr Fullarton who talk the country language well. About

3 o'clock we had a chitt from Doctor Fullarton who acquainted
us he had got 40 or 50 boats. In the evening, about 6, Capt.
Wm. James Tabby was ordered out with his battalion of
Seapoys to the Sand beyond the French factory to cover our
retreat. At 8 went out of the Factory Mr Ellis with the rest
of the factory gentlemen employed from 8 to 9 in getting the
money out which amounted to about a lack of rupees. The
Euroaping and Capt. Turners battalion of Seapoys marched out
of the Factory about 11 o'clock to the best of my judgment.
We took the Howet with us but only 30 rounds of grape.
Lieut. Thomas Puckering was ordered to stay in the Factory
for half an hour, after that we had marched out, and kept up a
brisk fire on the enemy, about 2 we came to the Ground where
was appointed to meet the boats but did not find them. We
halted a minute or two, and we had intelligence that the boats
were 2 coss in our front, we marched immediately for them
and joyned about 3 o'clock and embarked immediately for
the other side of the river. I was embarked on board
Capt. Wilson's Budgerow with 30 men and Mr Ellis, about

4 o'clock we arrived on the other side where we halted all
that night.

June the 27th, 1763.

The morning strong gales with drizzling rain our boats
employed in bringing over the Seapoy's. About 10 o'clock the
whole got over, we halted here till the afternoon. About 8 in
the morning we was alarmed by a few straggling horse. The
Howit and some of Capt. Tabby's Seapoys advanced in the
Tope in front, a Qr. guard mounted, which consisted of 30

52 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

European's and one Subelton, orders that the Companies to be
reviewed at 4 in the evening the boats proceeded up the river
with the wounded men.

June the 28th, 1763.
At day break we marched about one coss, and reached a
villao-e where we halted, and refreshed, till three in the after-
noon, we found in the Fhusdar's house a cammel which we
used the freedom of carrying along with us, and some carriage
bullocks. We marched about 5 coss, and found out a village
where we halted all night.

June the 29th, 1763.
At half past two this morning we marched, and our boats
proceeded up the river, we came to Chuppra about 8 and a few
of the gentlemen stoped there at our Factory where they found
about 3 dozen of different kind of Liquors which was very
agreeable to us for we did not carry any along with us, found
also some turkeys with some other poultry which was divided
amongst the gentlemen, and soldiers. We marched on a coss
further, and halted in a Tope near a village, where we sent and
got some provisions for the troops. In this time we were
alarmed two or three times, and ordered under arms, as there
was a party of horse near us as we understood that the Fhusdar
whose name is E-amnidu had collected about 1000 Foot and
200 Horse. To the best of my judgment, we marched off the
ground about 4, and halted about 4 coss from hence. Capt.
Turner's battalion having the rear guard, informed us that just
as they left the ground, a party of the enemy's horse took
possession, which made us keep a very good look out all night.
We had intelligence from our boats that they had been pur-
sued by some of the Enemy's boats from Budgepoore, and that
they had taken two of our small boats, two of our Seapoys that
was in that fray that was wounded came to us which made us
very anxious about them, as they had both our money and
Treasure on board them. Nothwithstanding we did not
endeavour to join them soon this evening which proved very
unfortunate.

AND PORTRAITS 53

June the SOtli, 1763.
We had no alarm all this night. We marched about 3.
Scarcely could find anybody to be our guide as our chief's
sarvents and Harcarra's had left him, our intention was to joyn
our boats, we crossed a Nulla which was betwixt us and the
river, we marched betwixt them, about 7 o'clock we saw in
front a stand of red collour's about a coss distance which we
took to be some Chokee, but on our advancing prety brisk on
them we found there was about 50 Burgandasses. Immediately
Capt. Tabby's battalion of Seapoys marched to right, in order
to cut them off from the water, but they took to the water and
most part of them was drowned, two or three took prisoner,
but we could not learn anything from them. At this ground
we intended to halt, till we brought up our rear and as we was
no more than a coss from the place where we intended to
embark, but hearing a firing in our rear, we found that our
rear guard was attacked by the enemy, and they were advancing
on us very brisk. Immediately beat to arms, and marched to
meet them. They appeared in number about 2000 foot and
2000 horsemen. Our men were in very good spirits, and
marched on in a very regular manner, and Capt, Turner's
battalion behaved extremely well, and kept up a very brisk fire
which did the enemy a great deal of damage, which put them
to the right about. Still marching after them, when we came
to the Nulla, the Europian s halted, Capt. Tabby's and Capt.
Turner's battalions still pursuing the enemy. When we had
crossed the Nullah the enemy began to canonade them very
briskly with we think an account that one Summerow * with
5 or 6 Company's of Seapoys joyned them this day, with 4
or 5 pieces of cannon. Marched out from the Nulla upon a
good piece of ground, where we halted all this day and this
night. . . .

July the 1st, 1763.
Marched about 2 this morning along the river side to joyn
our boats. About day break, saw the enemy, in a tope abreast

* Somers or Somroo.

54 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

of US, they marched out of the tope and crossed the Nulla and
began to cannonade us very brisk, upon this we marched two
or three passes in the front, as we was too nigh the river, and
sat down that we might be more secure from the enemy's
cannonade. About 10 we got the Howetz ashore, out of the
boat, and fired a round or two of grape, but fell short of them.
They still kept up a very brisk fire upon us, but did not do us
any damage. Captain Carstairs was wounded by a cannon
shott about 12 o'clock. We sent him over to the boats, to be
dressed. Captain Tabby took the Command. We still remain
in the same way, about 3 o'clock Mr Ellis sent some gin over
to the men. The enemy still kept a very brisk cannonading
upon us. About 6 the enemy's left wing marched and joined
their right wing, and came down on us. Immediately we
marched down to front them, the enemy kept a very heavy fire
with grape, which our people took a Panuick and went to the
right about, and took the river. I finding that my platoon had
left, I made to the river, and swam over, and got to Capt.
Wilson's Budgerow. Everybody in great confusion. Capt.
Wilson finding it was all over with us, he immediately pushed
down the river.

July the 2nd, 1763.
This morning was boarded by a Chowkey boat, gave them
20 Rupees and they let us go. Still kept going down the
river, saw a Jamidar with some Sepoys & an elephant, they
fired a shot or two at us, but would not stop, but still kept
driving down to Hodepoor. About 3 arrived there, and delivered
ourselves up to the Fhusdar. In number 6 of us, whose names
are as follows, Capt. Carstairs, Capt. Wilson, EnsD. Armstrong,
Ensn. M'Kay, Doctor Anderson and Mr Campbell. Capt.
Carstairs very bad of his wound. The people behaved very
well to us, they did not take anything from us. Nothing more
remarkable these four and twenty hours.

July the 3rd, 1763.
Captain Wilson went up to the Fhusdar, received a chitt
from Dr FuUarton who was a prisoner at Patna and acquainted

AND PORTRAITS 55

US that he was extremely well used and would have us come
over as soon as possible. Capt. Carstairs extremely ill of his
wound and smelt very strong, this day the Fhusdar got a house
to put Carstairs in, which removed him into & had Budgerow
washed and cleaned. Capt. Carstairs departed this life about
4 in the afternoon, we applied to the Fhusdar for a coffin for
him, which we had made. Buried him about 5.

Had for dinner to-day some roast mutton & curry, the
Fhusdar made Capt. Wilson a present of a Huckaw and 2
bottles of the country arrack which was very good. Nothing
more these 24 hours.

July the 4th, 1763.

This morning came down the Fhusdar's son and took an
account of our cloathing and things that we had in the boats,
and acquainted us that we was to go Patna. Had for dinner
to-day some mutton and curry, nothing more these 24 hours,

July the 5th, 1763.

The first part fair weather. The Fhusdar came down him-
self in order to go with us, he went in another boat, we reached
Killa about 12 o'clock. Capt. Wilson was sent for up, we
remained in the boat, as the Nabob was not yet come in from
riding, about 2 we was sent for, and was received in a verry
genteel manner by the Nabob, where we met Fullartou. He
ordered us some Victuals, and gave us a beetle, which is a
mark of friendship, and put us under care of his brother, who
is an extremely good man, did all that lay in his power to oblige
us. In the evening he called us into his own apartment, and
sent for some Country arrack and entertained us in a
genteelest manner. The Nabob himself came in and set him-
self down along with us, and talked very free with us, and
Doctor Fullarton. About 8 Doctor FuUarton came and
acquainted us that we were to set out for Mongheer to-night,
but Capt. Wilson went to the Nabob's brother, and obtained
liberty to stay this night. In the morning we set out about
8 o'clock, the Nabob's brother went with us to the water side

56 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

and see our things in the boat. This day reached Bahar, our
guard was very troublesome to us, for they shutt the Budgerow
windows, and lashed their boats along side of us, halted there
this night.

July the 6th, 1763.

This morning set out for Bahar, for Mongheer, and reached
Gunje and lay there all this night, our Guard behaved a little
better then the two days before our boys went on shore and
brought us some milk for our supers. Nothing more happened
these 24 hours.

July 7th, 1763.

This morning set out from Nabob's Gunje for Mongheer,
arrived below it about 5 o'clock, and was obliged to track up to
the fort, had for dinner to-day some rice and curry and lay very
near the fort all this night and there was nobody come to ask
us who we was, or what we were, whether men or beasts. Had
for supper some rice and curry with some mutton stake. Still
remaining in the Budgerow, nothing happened more these 24
hours.

July the 8th, 1763.

This morning gave some cloaths to the washerwoman, had
for dinner to-day some rice and curry and stakes, received
nothing from the Nabob to subsist upon, but still remaining in
the Budgerow, nobody came near us but a dirty fellow of a
Dutchman who had been in our service before. I judge he was
sent by Gunger Cawn, nothing more hapens these 24 hours.

July 9th, 1763.
This morning have some more to the washerwoman to be
washed. Still remaining in the Budgerow without anybody
enquiring anything about us, received a chitt from Capt. Harris
who informed us that they were allowed half a sear of coarse
rice a man, and that he was prisoner with 3 more whose names
are as follows : —

Captain Johnson,

Captain Place,

Serjt. Anderews.

AND PORTRAITS 57

Our Boy informed us that the Harcarry had got a purwannah
to carry us up to Patna, still remaining here for want of dandye,
had for dinner to-day some rice and curry; nothing more
happened these 24 hours.

July 10th, 1763.
This morning gave to the washerwoman some cloaths.
Still remaining in the Budgerow at the Goll, the Harrcarrah
brought six dandies down to the boats, but more my
cooly's than any thing else, about the evening there were
4 of them run away, which stopted our going away. To-
day had for dinner some mutton curry. Came on board
three Armenians. Capt. Wilson asked them the favour to
carry thirty rupees to Capt. Harris and the rest of them that
was confined with him, but they denied. Nothing happen, no
more, only Mr Campbell's boy run away with 30 Rupees of his.
Nothing more these 24 hours.

July the 11th, 1763.
This morning prety fair weather, gave the washerwoman
some more cloaths to wash, rec'd no more dandye's, still remain-
ing at the Golh Had for dinner to-day some rice & curry.
This day came down and landed. At this got our 24 pounder
with the transport & cartridge, nothing hapens more these 24
hours.

July 12th, 1763.

This morning the Jemidar of our guard sent some of his
people and brought 14 dandies, set out about 12 o'clock for
Patna. Went about 6 coss this day, and halted here all night.
Nothing more these 24 hours.

[Here this narrative ends. It seems to have been written by
Ensign M'Kay.]

Dr Anderson's Narrative.
June 23rd being the anniversary of the Battle of Plassy, we
all dined at the Factory, when it was easy to observe by the

58 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

faces of the Gentlemen that somewhat of importance was on
the Carpets, for our Council had been sitting and orders were
issued out for the Guards to be relieved by the Aukward Men,
and to the Capt'n to meet the Commanding Officer at his
quarters at 8 in the evening. It seems the Gentlemen at the
Factory had advice of Mr Amyatt's Negotiation at Mongeer
being broke off and a Day appointed for his Departure, also
that a strong Detachment of Horses and Sepoys, to the number
of 3000 with 6 guns, were on their March to Patna, so that as
War seemed inevitable they thought it best to strike the first
stroke, by possessing themselves of the City of Patna. How-
ever they were willing to wait for certain advises from Mr
Aymatt, accordingly the 24th at night, in Consequence of that
advice, orders were given to attack the City. Next morning
about one, the Troops were under Arms, and marched off at
two— about two Companys of Aukward Men with two officers
was left at the Gardens for a Guard. In the following Order
Capt'n Tabby's Sepoys and the Europeans were to March to the
right of the Chuta Moating (alias Bastion) with their Scaling
Ladders, etc., and enter there, Capt'n Turner and Wilson and
four Companys each and two pieces of canon were to proceed
to the west gate and enter there, while Lieut. Downie, with
three Companys, Escaladed opposite the Factory. Capt'n
Finch with the remainder of the Guns was stationed in Mr
Howie's Compound, in order to fire upon the Walls, and be as a
signal for a general attack ; three pieces 3 pounders, with two
Companys of Seapoys, were to keep up a Constant fire from the
Top of the Factory house.

Capt'n Carstairs with the Europeans and Tabby's Seapoys
after . . . passed along the N.W. front and opened the
gates so that the other . . , with the two guns passed in
without any difficulty, we possessed ourselves soon of all the
. . . but had great difficulty in going up the great street as
there was a great fire from the North side — at which we lost
men and officers, but at length proceeded to the Killa, into
which the only force in the City had retired. The Subah with
most of his Jemidars had left the City and we now began to

AND PORTRAITS 59

think ourselves secure, but alas how greatly mistaken. Lieut.
Downie and Perry with some Sepoys had gone quite thro' the
Kella to the water side. Our Europeans were in possession of
the East gate with one of our guns but all the rest of our
Sepoys were dispersed in plundering so that scarce 100 could
be got together. Everybody quite fatigued having marched
thro' thick mud and had no refreshments, when near one
o'clock, about 120 of the Enemy entered the Kella and drove
some Seapoys who were there before them. The Europeans
and other Seapoys seeing this followed their Examples, and so
scarce looked back, till they got to the Factory. A party of
Marcott's Seapoys who belonged to the Detachments to reinforce
the City arrived with some guns soon after, and began to fire
on the Factory house. Thus ended this unfortunate affair and
without great loss and effusion of blood. The Enemy must
have suffered much but can give no particulars. Our Loss is
as follows : —

{Captain Perry, Lieut. Downie,
Lieut. M 'Dowel, Lieut. Read,
And about 6 Europeans.

'Captain Jacker,

Captain Wilson,
Wounded - Lieut. Dowy,

10 Europeans,
.100 Seapoys.

Our whole Force Consisted of

50 Europeans Rank & File.
40 Artillery.
2200 Sepoys.
Killed and deserted, but mostly the latter, and I believe
loaded with Plunder, one thousand Seapoys with Officers in
proportion, lost two field pieces which could not be brought off.
Twenty-sixth. — In the evening the Guard for the Gardens
was called in and arrived soon after. After the Disaster the
Council was called, in which the Captains were desired to
attend. That they might Consult what was best to be done in
our present Circumstances, various were the opinions on this
occasion.

60 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

1st. — The Factory being but small and badly provided with
provision and firewood for above 1200 Seapoys and 200
Europeans, besides we must have expected to have been entirely
shut up with the fresh Troops which would have come from
Mongheer. Therefore to defend it was thought of no purpose.
2nd. — To take Boats and proceed by water to Calcutta, but in
the first place boats could not be procured for such number, and
must have expected opposition at Mongheer, where intelligence
must arrive one day before us. 3rd. — To cross the River and
march down on the opposite side. This must have been to
have sacreficed many. Must have embarked in the face of a
numerous enemy, and had doubtless Troops ready opposite
Mongheer to meet us, besides it was impossible without
Bullocks and Coolies to have either guns or much of ammuni-
tion with us, therefore the final determination, and indeed that
which had most chance of succeeding, was to procure by force
as many boats as we could, send them up to Phylogy pass, to
cross the river there, with one Howitz, march up the Sircar
Serang country, and so cross over to Sujah Dowlah's country.
This was approved of, but boats could not be procured that
night, on the day following having got as many boats as we
could, and sent them up to the pass, we prepared everything
for evacuating the Factory, in the interim a very brisk and
incessant fire, of both great guns and musketry, was kept up
on both sides, in which we lost a European, 3 or 4 Seapoys.
About 10 at night we got our sick Europeans, and Treasure
about one sack, embarked. Soon after Captn. Tabby's Seapoys
were ordered to march out to the ground to the northward of
the French Factory, and there wait for the Europeans, Mr Ellis
with a Company of Seapoys from that Body, attended by some
Civilians, made the best of their way to the Boats. Capt.
Carstairs, with the Europeans and Turner's Seapoys, kept up a
brisk fire till near 12 o'clock, and everything being quite ready
spiked up the guns, etc., and marched out, and so proceeded to
the boats without the least molestation. About two we began
to cross as quickly as possible and without confusion, and before
one-third was over it began to blow and rain so that the boats

AND PORTRAITS 61

could not cross. In the meantime those who had crossed were
alarmed with a body of horse running to attack them. They
beat to arms, got the Howitz ready and . . . 2 or 300
yards to be clear of the village and so waited for them, but they
thought proper to keep at a distance. About 10 the weather
changed fair, and wind moderate, so that in the afternoon
everybody was crossed, even our Horses. We began to prepare
for marching, accordingly the Sick, Treasure, and Howitz, with
part of the ammunition, were to go by water for want of Coolies,
etc., while the army marched by land, on account of the sick I
went by water. The . . . afternoon about 5 o'clock the
army marched, and we got under sail with a fair wind, being
about 80 boats in all, here I was greatly disappointed for the
Boat with my clouths. Instruments, Medicines, and servants did
not arrive, so that I imagine this must have stopt. We sailed
the best part of the night and then came to, at day-light got
under way, and haulted at Oheran, soon after we were alarmed
with 2 or 3 companys of Seapoys which we discovered on the
opposite shore, and observing them drawing some boats together
we sent immediate advice to Mr Ellis, who sent a company of
Seapoys to reinforce us for we had only 50. About 5 the Army
joined us — the . . . only, got under way, but our Budgerow
being heavy, we generally brought up the rear. Those Seapoys of
the enemy having got three boats chased us until about 8 o'clock,
but having a fresh wind, and by the help of our oars, we happily
got clear. A Guard Boat and another in our rear fell in with
them, the former cleared herself after a brisk fire, but the other
was taken. The Seapoys having jumped overboard after having
two killed and two wounded. We entered this afternoon the
River Duah, brought to within a Coss of the Army, about three
coss above Choprah.

30th. — Got under way but made a bad hand of it, the
stream being very strong in this river which obliged us to put
to the other shore, when we discovered within a mile of us two
stand of colours and some horse which obliged us to put into
the stream, and getting foul of another boat broke our rudder.
We were taken in tow by two Guard boats, who with great

62 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

labour brought us to the ground, we left in the morning, here
we patched up our rudder as well as we could, and was greatly
assisted in it by Mr Place, who came in the Pinnace for that
purpose ; we observed several villages on fire about a coss from
us and heard of one Somers with four or five companys of
Seapoys and three or four guns having crossed over hereabout
in order to join Ramnidy, the fousdar of the country, who
has got together about three thousand horse and foot in order
to oppose us. We got to the fleet with great danger and diffi-
culty, for we had near overset two or three times. When we
joined them had the agreeable news of our having defeated
Ramnidy that morning, and killed about 200 of his people. In
the evening had an account of Somers having joined him and
their having encamped within a coss of our Troops. The place
we now lay at is an Island opposite the upper end of which our
people are encamped, but the stream is too strong for us to get
round to them. Therefore having informed Mr Ellis of it, we
are ordered to proceed to the lower end, where in the morning
they will march down to us. About 400 men horse and foot
are on the opposite shore attending our motions, but they have
only one boat.

July 1st. — We drop'd down and joined the army and
immediately landed our Howitz, but before they could get it
mounted, the enemy appeared and began a brisk cannonade
with 3 or 4 pieces of canon, our people — beat to arms and drew
with the River which forms the island on their left and two
pretty high banks with the great river about 200 yards behind
them in their rear much as follows.

They seemed not inclinable to attack us, therefore our
people all set down in order to be more safe from the canonade,
which was brisk about 8 o'clock. Mr Ellis and all the civil
gentlemen except Mr Lushington came over to the island to
the Boats. We began soon after to transport over the baggage,
by which means great number of Seapoys stole over and con-
cealed themselves in the jungle. The enemy seeing their fire
did but little affect us, slacked it much ; however, about 11, an
unlucky shot hit Captain Carstairs as he was sitting down, it

AND POKTRAITS 6$

entered the inside of his thigh and passed out at his side, from
the nature of it it must be mortal, all the day after we had
only two or three Seapoys killed and as many wounded. Mr
Ellis had resolved if possible to attack the enemy in the even-
ing, and so cross to the island and thence to Budgepoore side,
where we had not above a coss to march out of the Province.
In the evening it was thought by Captain Tabby who com-
manded, and most of the other officers, that it was very im-
practicable to attack the enemy in their present disposition,
more especially as they found they had lost one-third of their
Seapoys, so that their present force would not exceed 700
Seapoys with the Europeans, which were about 100 includino-
the artillery, which while they were deliberating on the matter,
they were alarmed by the enemy being in motion and advancino-
on them. We beat to arms. The party of the enemy on the
right marched, and joined the main body, who advanced and
kept firing from all their artillery, when they came within a
proper distance Turner's battalion gave their fire regularly, but
could not observe any regular fire from the right, only a
universal popping. Some few Europeans Platoon gave their
fire, and then on a Grape coming amongst them, they went to
the right about, which threw everything into the utmost con-
fusion, and everybody sought their safety in flight, some swam
to the island, and brought us the melancholy news. The boat
people were frighted by the numbers that came pressing on
them, and put off at a small distance from the shore. It was
with difficulty that our Budgerow could get disengaged from
the numbers that clung to her, at last by force we got at a
small distance, having on board Captain Carstairs, Captain
Wilson, Dr Campbell and myself. Ensign Armstrong and
M'Kay, who had swam to the island,* came off to us with two
soldiers, and five or six gentlemen's servants, and three or four
seapoys, and six women, and six children, in this confusion we
observed many boats going off and knew not what to do for the

* This identifies the writer of the previous account to have been
Ensign M'Kay.

64 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

best. To escape was impossible, therefore we resolved as we
were already sufficiently full of people to proceed down to
Patna if possible, and so surrender ourselves prisoners to the
Subah, accordingly we put off, and in passing the Jungle, which
was in the rear of our Army, was hailed and fired at, two or
three times, but could not think of going to the shore, else the
crowd would certainly have sunk the boat, we rowed down as
softly as possible, in order to avoid alarming the Chowkees,
which are pritty many in this River. We were at ten hailed
but made no answer, we got our mast down, in order to dis-
figure the boats, and procured Jammas and Turbands for as
many of us as we could, threw many things over board, lest
they should betray who we were, no swords, coats, sashes, etc.,
and thus melancholy spent the night with poor Carstairs and all
of us in the cabin, with women and children, and every moment
expecting to be stopt by Chokees, who might have found an
interest to have murdered us all for the sake of plunder, for we
had about twenty thousand Rupies of the Companys on board.
Near to Mongheer, as we imagined it to be, our boat got aground,
which perplexed us much, and a boat had kept us company for
one hour, which we suspected much. In short, we were waver-
ing whether to go ashore or not and take our fate by land, but
could not think of leaving Carstairs, who tho' mortally wounded
was perfectly sensible, it must have added to his uneasiness to
have his friends leave him helpless in such distress, however
while we were aground we lost sight of the boats that accom-
panied us, and having got off and in the proper channel we
proceeded down till about dawn of day, when we were met
by a Jemedar on an elephant, with about one hundred
attendants, who were marching up. They hailed us, and desired
us to stop. We told them we were a Dutch Budgerow from
Chopra, we not stoping they fired on us, and I believe we would
have come too had it not been for a boy of Captain Turner's
who told us it was the best to proceed on till we were stopt by
force, and then tell them we were going to the Nabob, which
we thought very just ; by brisk rowing we got clear of the
people, without anybody being hurt, and were not troubled with

AND PORTRAITS 65

any more, except a small boat with three Moores, who came on
board, and told us they were a Chokee ; we desired them to take
us to Patna, but they seemed better pleased that we should
give them Buxes so we gave them twenty Rupies, and they left
us, when we drew near to the Sengia River we judged it would
be better to go to Hodgepoor and surrender ourselves, as we
might meet with milder treatment there than from the people
at Patna, who were highly incensed. Besides the Fousdar
being a brother of Musabdanlee might use us better on that
account.

The 2nd. — About noon we arrived at Hodgepoor, and were
kindly received by the Fousdar's son, his Father being at
Patna,

The 3rd. — Poor Carstairs died on shore, at a small house
that had been provided for him, we had a coffin made and had
him buried as decently as circumstances would allow. The
same day had a Chit from Dr FuUerton, who desired us to
come over to Patna, told us we would meet with genteel usage
from the Subah,

Monday, the 4th. — Had our effects taken account of, and
were to be sent over to Patna next day ; our treatment here was
very easy, having several provisions sent us from the Fousdar,
but find our Guards and his Servants very troublesome for
Buxes, which we find best to satisfie. Heard from the Fhousdar
that our Army had marched, that Mr Amyatt had gone down,
but Mr Hay and another gentleman still continued at Mongheer.
Tuesday,the 5th. — Our Fhousdar and our Guard accompanied
us over to Patna ; we landed at the Killa and were brought to
the Durbar, when were kindly received by Mindy Aly Cawn,
and had victuals brought us in plenty, after giving us Beetle
we were shown to our apartments, under the care of Mirza
Colaid, near relation of his own, who for the short time we
remained with him did his utmost to render things as agreeable
as possible to us, even the most menial services he sent for us

to his own , and had some country spirit for us to drink of,

gave orders to bring up all our things, and that there might not
be the least thing touched, we thought ourselves extremely

66 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

happy in such gentle usage, for the Nabob himself came in, sat
down with us at Mirza Colaid's, and told us he expected Mr
Ellis with 30 gentlemen and 120 soldiers the next day, for they
had set out from Chopra. At 9 we returned to our apart-
ments, where Mr Fullarton came an hour after, and acquainted
us that orders had come for sending us to Mongheer, and we
must go immediately. This surprised us much as it was very
dark, and the stream rapid, but by speaking to our friend
Mirza Colaid it was put off till the morning, accordingly we got
all ready and had every thing sent to the Budgerow, where he
went himself to see us safely delivered to the Jemedar, who had
charge of us, he had sent some bread and roasted kid into the
boat for our use, which we took very kind. Captain Wilson
with great difficulty persuaded him to accept of his sword in a
compliment.

Wednesday, 6th. — In the morning we put off with two
Guard boats and some Seapoys with us in the Budgerow. We
had not got out of sight of the Killa when the boats were
lashed along side the better to secure us and so we drove down
like a log, but they soon found it inconvenient as well as us,
and cast loose, one going ahead the other astern of us, and
then we went on till we got to Bar, where we halted for
the night ; our Guard were so careful of us to-night as to
keep all the Cabin windows fast by running a rope quite
round them.

Thursday, 7th. — Early we got under way, and proceeded
down to Nabobgunje, where we made a hearty meal of
Cutcheree and a Dram of Country Arrack our Friend at
Hodgepoor had given us.

Friday, 8th. — Cast loose and proceeded to Mongheer, which
makes a bad appearance from the river, where you have a
front view of the palace his excellency has lately built there,
with a breast work before it for thirty guns ; it began to rain
and blow about twelve by which means we drove past it, and
were obliged to tract up above a mile, and at 5 arrived at the
gate close to the lower part of the Fort. Our Harcary went on
shore with the letter, but had nobody came to us but a rascal

AND PORTRAITS 67

of a German who had been formerly in our service ; he pre-
tended to have come from the Nabob to know our number,
names, and nation.*

Saturday, the 9th. — As nobody has come to-day to enquire
whether we want victuals, and even our own Harcarrah not
returned, it is matter of surprise to our Guards as well as to
ourselves, we sent to the Busar for what we want in the eating
way, having money to the Amount of 800 Rupies.

Sunday, 10th.— A Servant of Mr Place's brought us a Chit
giving us a Account of Messrs Johnston and Harris with two
Europeans more belonging to the boats with arms, which the
Nabob stopt, being close prisoners, having only half each a
Seer of course rice a day each for their subsistence, that they
were in want of some cloaths which they beg us to send if we
could spare, they mention also their having 10 Rs, given them
2 days before, to buy Meal, etc. They had surrendered them-
selves at Patna to Mr Marcott, who finding them merchants
gave them leave to go down if they could, but they found it
impossible to pass the Chokee boats at Mongheer, which are
placed on both sides of the river pretty close, besides being
sandy in the middle of the river, in all of them are one or two
Seapoys, as the servants who brought the Chit had a Seapoy
with him, and our Guard would scarce permit him to come in
the boat. We found it impossible to send them Cloths, we
therefore put up 20 Rups., and wrote a Chit giving them an
account of our situation, etc., but they kept so good a look out
that we could not find an opportunity of sending it. Three
Armenians came on board to us who gave us news of our Army
being at Cutaway, we wanted them to deliver the money to
Johnston, etc., but they declined it as they were strangers, and
had only come to trade. To-night we had an account from our
Harcarrah that we were to return to Patna, and he was pro-
viding Dandies for that purpose.

Monday, 11th. — The Harcarrah got the Purwanna for our
going, but could not procure Dandies. The Jemedar of our

* Probably Somers, called Somroo.

68 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Guard sent and pressed about a dozen in the evening, so would
not set off till to-morrow. Within these few days a large boat
or two has brought to this Gatt our two twenty-four pounders
with carriages, and Transport Carriages with which they carried
them off.

Tuesday, 12th. — We set out in our way to Patna with a fair
wind but strong stream. That afternoon, about 4 coss from
Mongheer, we passed Marcott encamped with a party of
Seapoys who are going to Mongheer, heard that Captain
Turner and two other officers came down with him and had
gone on to Mongheer, we stopt a coss above them.*

Wednesday, 13th. — Got early under way, and at Nabob
gunje met about five or six companys of Seapoys with two
pieces of cannon & a few horse and 96 of our Europeans who
had taken service, but gave us to understand it was to avoid
bad usage, with a view of making their escape. They told us
Mr Ellis and all the other gentlemen had gone down to
Mongheer, excepting Lieutenant Pickring and Ensign Crosste
who were either killed or drowned, on the 1st. We crossed the
river and sailed up within a sand island, w^hen getting aground
obliged us to stop for the night about a coss below Ruinulle on
the opposite shore.

Thursday, 14th. — Not finding water for us within the
Island, and the current being too strong without it, we crossed
the river again by which we drove a coss back, and had great
danger and difficulty in tracking up to Ruinulla, as the stream
was very strong and the banks fell in pritty frequent. In
passing the Nulla we observed three flag elephants with about
2000 horses and foot crossing in boats on their way to Mongheer.
In the afternoon, being within a large island, we had a fair
wind and smooth water which run us within two coss of
Deriapoor, where we brought too for the night,

Friday, 15th. — We proceeded up fairly as there was little
wind, at 11 we stopt at Deiapoor to Dress our victuals. In the
meantime, three companys of Seapoys, mostly our own, who had

* This is where the previous narrative stops.

AND PORTRAITS 69

taken service arrived here on their way down. At 1 we put off
with a pritty breeze, and at sunset reached Mohera, about two
coss below Donerach.

Saturday, 16th. — Early we got under way with a fair wind,
about 8 passed Panorack, and at 12 we stopt at Bar to dress
victuals, here were a large body of horse and Seapoys encamped
with most of our tents, etc., in their charge, their Rout is for
Mongheer. At 2 put off, went 2 coss further.

Sunday, 17th. — Set out early with a brisk wind, which con-
tinuing all day brought us to within a mile of Jaffier Cawn's
Gardens at sunset.

Monday, ISth. — Got under way at 5 and arrived at the
Killa about 9, where after waiting two hours we were ordered
dinner for us. Here we remained pestered with flies and heat
till about 8 o'clock when we were sent for by the Nabob, who
as before received us very kindly, ordered chairs for us to sit
on, gave a Hooker to Capt. Wilson, and told us not to be
uneasy for we might look on ourselves as at home, that he
would provide a proper place for us in a few days, as that we
were in was very hot, we should sleep in a Bungelo above stairs.
We took our leave, and thought ourselves happy in falling into
so good hands. The Bungelo was the Deruans sleeping
place, it was cleared accordingly and we ordered from our hot
apartments, where we regaled ourselves with the refreshing
breeze till near 11, soon after our supper came which we paid
little regard to, it being so late. Our Guard consisting of 20
Burgondosses and 5 Seapoys slept on the Terras, while we crept
into the Bungelo, where we found but little rest as it was
swarming with Buggs and Muskittas.

Tuesday, 19th. — At day light we were roused out and returned
to our hott room. Our Jentoo Friend the Dewan I believe
was not well pleased at our sleeping within for he ordered
Matts and carpets to be taken off and washed, and took
immediate possession himself, giving us his Dewan Canna to
ours, except a small part divided by a purda for his cook room,
and at noon they began to cook there which filled our apart-
ments with smoke, which with the heat and flies we were suffi-

70 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

ciently tormented. We made a complaint of it, and have a
promise of it being removed to-day. Our boy brought in a few
bottles of liquor, which was seized by Guard as they must have
the Nabob's Purwcinnah for it to pass in. At night the
Nabob's Consommah came to inform us that he had his Master's
orders for whatever we choosed to have dressed, and we need
only send to the Cook room for it. To-night we found it very
disagreeable on account of heat, buggs, and a noisy Guard, who
occupies the veranda of our apartment.

Wednesday, 20th. — Nothing extraordinary only a visit from
Miza Calaeil who tells us he is going to Mongheer. To-night
the Dewan ordered the Guard to sleep out ; we might have the
veranda to sleep in, which was a great piece of service to us, as
we had a little air, and less noise.

Thursday, 21st. — Nothing remarkable.

Friday, 22nd. — Afternoon about 4 we were called on a
sudden from our apartments, and leaving two soldiers we were
led into the City, and on our way met two Europeans with a
Guard who told us there were 15 of them come up from
Mongheer, were led thro' several windings and byways to a
place where all sorts of prisoners are confined, for after passing
two compounds we came to a third, where we observed some
prisoners in irons which gave us but an indifferent idea of the
place, more especially as the apartments we were put in was
quite close, damp, and hung with cobwebs, some matts wherein
the fronts close to the door, which were secured and tyed down,
so that what light and air we had was from the door. Here to
all appearance we had to expect but indifferent treatment.
But we had not been here an hour before we began to be some-
what better reconciled to it, for all our things was sent to us
very carefully. We found this a place for state prisoners, and
several people of some consequence have been here, ever since
Ramnarains misfortune ; there are about 1200 Pions as a
guard to this Prison, who allow us to walk all the length of the
Square, so that we find we are here more retired and have more
liberty.

AND PORTRAITS 71

Saturday, 23rd. — We had a visit to-day from Shah Mahmud
Ramnaroins Cutwal, a man of good character and formerly of
influence in the city. We had no victuals sent us so are
obliged to furnish ourselves.

We heard to-day that on the 15th instant a body of our
troops had an engagement at Cutway with the forces from
Muxadawad and the latter entirely defeated, the two principal
Jamedars being killed.

That Hugly we have taken and distroyed. Our Gentlemen
at Cassim Buzar had sent off their effects and themselves got
safe off. That the Nabob was preparing to go down.

Sunday, 24th. — To-day we were a good deal alarmed by
some of our guard having a parcel of old iron which we imagined
was intended for us, but it was only to move them to another
place ; all our servants were ordered to sleep out of our square
except one.

Monday, 25th. — Our boys heard a rumour to-day in the
Dutch Factory of Mr Amyatt and his Brother^n-law being
both killed in their passage down near Rajahmull, having made
resistance to a force ordered to stop him, but we can't give it
credit. Finding the want of liquor our boys to-day smugled a
bottle which gave us a glass each after dinner and at bed time.

Tuesday, 26th. — To-day close and sultry, which make the
flies very troublesome to us. Had a small recruit of two bottles
of gin, which is two days allowance. The economy we have
established is to drink twice a day. Dine at one, take a walk
in the evening and sleep at ten, supper we have none. The
intervals are filled up with reading, gaming, and converse with
our fellow prisoners.

Wednesday, 27th.— Nothing extraordinary,

Thursday, 28th. — Our Jemedar informs us the Nabob has
ordered us to send for our provisions to his cook room as usual.
To-day we heard that Mr Ellis's Munchies had got safe to
Bannarass, also that the King and Souja Dowlah came down to
Kiabad.

72 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Friday, 29th. — On sending to-day for our victuals the con-
sumah said he had not his masters orders, by which means we
were disappointed of our dinner.

Saturday, 80th. — We sent our servants to the Nabob to
request that we might be allowed to send to the Dutch for a
little liquor daily as custom had rendered it necessary for our
health, also that we might have a daily allowance in money
rather than his victuals, as it was not dressed in our way, both
of which he granted, allowing us 4 Rs, p. day and liberty to
bring in two bottles of liquor p. day.

Sunday, 31st. — Heard a rumour of our troops being defeated
at Plassy.

Monday, August the 1st. — Heard with pleasure the news of
yesterday reversed, for from authority we have gained a second
victory near the troops at Muxadawad, and Mr Marcot with a
large body of Seapoys, etc., now lies 8 coss on this side the
city, so that we may soon hear of an action of consequence as
our whole force are pritty near them. The Nabob lies encampt
at Mongheer, near the Hottwalls, but no appearance of his
moving yet.

Tuesday, 2nd. — Have the news of yesterday confirmed.
Great commotion at Mongheer, and Camdercawn with all the
other Fousdars and Jemedars called in.

Wednesday, 3rd. — Gurghe Cawn, with the remainder of the
force, is gone down, and his Excellency, with a few for a Body
Guard, only remain.

Thursday and Friday, 4th and 5th, — Nothing extraordinary.

Saturday, 6th. — Mr Roach's boy arrived from Mongheer,
brings news of Mr Amyatt's head being brought there some
time ago, that Mr Chambers and some of Cassira Bazar factory
are there also ; hear that we were thrice repulsed in the attack
of the city of MuxadaAvad, but the fourth attack carried every-
thing, that the old Nabob is declared. Dr Nicola Musketa
brings news of Marcot's being defeated ; Sumers killed, with
many elephants and Jemidars, that Marcott had gone over to
us with a thousand men, but I can get no credit to it.

AND PORTRAITS 73

Sunday, 7th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Monday, 8th.— Mindy-ally Cawn came into our square and
went soon out. He told us not to rise or disturb ourselves, but
we heard soon after that be wanted a place to put 20 Europeans
that had just arrived from Mongheer. Heard at night that we
had preserved Molidus and some of the R . . . 1 family,
who were prisoners at Dacca, and had settled that country.

Tuesday, 9th. — Had a Chit from one Mr Bennet, Co-Factor
at Rampore Bauleah, and also one from Mr Thompson, agent
for Mr M'Guire. They were taken prisoners below and sent up
with about 20 soldiers, are in great distress wanting every
necessary, we sent them 20 Rupees for the present. The
Nabob of this place is preparing to set out for Mongheer in a few
days. Harcarrahs are in constant motion here transporting
families and effects of the merchants out of the city, troops
from the smallest Fousdarys are ordered to join at Mongheer,
and a bridge building at Ruinulla. The Seeks, too, are made
close prisoners, and great commotion amongst the great at
Mongheer. It is said our troops are marching up, and by latest
advice were 15 coss from the lowest capital.

Wednesday, 10th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Thursday, 11th. — Hear of an action below in which Marcott's
army were entirely defeated, and several Jemedars gone over to
Meer Jaffier, but this wants confirmation. Messrs Bennet and
Thompson were to-day brought to us by the Nabob himself
They gave us an account of Mr Amyatt and Ensign Cooper
being killed at Muxadawad, as follows : — " They had embarked
all the party and sent the horses, etc., with the Seices by land,
meeting with contrary winds it was ten days ere they reached
Muxadawad, when they at once saw troops drawn up on each
side the river, with some great guns, they hailed them and
desired them to come too, but not taking any notice of them
some of them fired, on which some of our Seapoys began to fire
also, and killed somebody on the shore, on which great guns
and volleys were fired, which obliged them to put to the opposite
shore, where there was the least firing. Mr Amyatt, notwith-

74 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

standing the fire, landed with a pair of pistols, he took the
Nabob's Perwannah in one hand and held it up to them, and a
pistol in the other, and advanced to the top of the bank where
he was shot in the leg, and soon after cut to pieces. Ensign
Cooper met the same fate in making resistance, but the other
gentlemen they can give no account of, but expect they were
sent to Mongheer with Mr Chambers and the others from
Cassim Buzar, they also inform us Mr Hay and Mr Chambers
were left at Mongheer, and remain there yet. These gentlemen
have suffered greatly, being put in irons and brought up in one
boat, and scarce victuals or necessarys to cover them, being in
all 27 persons. The Nabob here allows 10 Rs. p. day to the 17
people left, and an addition of 2 Rs. p. day to us on account of
these two gentlemen.

Friday, 12th. — Last night late we had a confirmation of the
action below, but no particulars; heard that the Nabob's wives,
etc., are gone from Mongheer in order to be in safety. Numbers
here are sending their family over the river. Mindy Aly Cawn
set out to-day with the 200 Moguls and some Seapoys to
Mongheer. To-day two Padrees who had a few days ago gone
from hence to Mongheer returned on account of the confusion
on the roads. They report that the Nabob and all his troops
are gone too from hence, and its believed he goes to make his
last effort. They heard all the prisoners were embarked in the
Boats, but this is only hearsay.

Saturday 13th. — By Carstairs' Boys intelligence we have
gained a complete victory over Marcott, taken 9 p. of cannon, 3
Jemedars, 1300 horse and 1800 Seapoys and Europeans went
over to us ; 5 days ago Gregor Cawn got the Nabob to march
down with the remainder of his force, but with great reluct-
ance. All the prisoners are well at Mongheer; his Treasure
there yet.

Sunday, 14th. — Hear that the Nabob marched five days ago
with about 6000 Men. Camdar Cawn has marched to join him
with 1000 horse, and 2000 horse from Batta on their way for
the same purpose.

AND PORTRAITS 75

Monday 15th.— Heard melancholy accounts of Ram Narain
Rajah Bullab beiug cut off, but as yet not confirmed, tho' both
families here in great distress on that account.

Tuesday, 16th. — Still the above account prevails strong in
this City, with this addition of the number being eleven in all,
amongst whom are Ellis, Lushington, and 3 Harcarrahs, so
its imagined they have been concerned in an illegal corre-
spondence.

Wednesday, 17th. — Mr M'Kay's servants to-day arrived from
Mongheer in 4 days, who says he left all our gentlemen well there,
that Ramnarain, Rajah Bullab, and the Sects were said to be
cut off there. Hear our troops are between the passes. His
Excellency at Bogol poore, and the bulk of his Army at the
second pass. The Begum is said to be delivered of a child at
RuinuUah, which retards her journey, she has many boats and
elephants with 13,000 horse under command of Nobat Roy ; its
said all his money from Mongheer is there.

Thursday, 18th. — About 500 Seapoys of ours had taken
service at Mongheer are discharged the service, and ordered out
of the province least they serve him as they did below.

Friday, 19th. — By a Servant arrived from Mongheer, Mr
Ellis, etc., are well, and Bamnarin and Rajah Bullab and his
son were put in a boat, and its believed were drowned. It is
reported that the Nabob has made proposals of peace, and
offered three Crors of Rupees to make good all damages, but
this wants confirmation.* His Excellency for certain has
marched from Bagelpoore.

Saturday, 20th. — Heard by a Messenger from his Excellency's
Camp, that 500 Europeans and 3 Battalions of Seapoys, our own
Horse, had marched from Muxadawad towards Berboou to pass
with the . . . while Meer Jaffier with his army, and 3 or
400 Europeans lately from Calcutta, with 1600 Seapoys remain

* A Corore of Rupees are a hundred Lack, or one Million Sterling.

76 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

behind, both armys have artillery in proportion. It is said the
Nabob has made a present of 6 Mohr pay to all his troops. Is
in possession of the passes and ready for a run, not caring to
leave Baglepoore.

Sunday, 21st. — To-day Nabob Roy arrived to see his family.
The Begum being at Jaffier Cawn's Gardens; its said they
proceed up the country to a place on the hills almost impreg-
nable, near Muccracond.

Monday, 22nd. — Nothing extraordinary; only some Armeni-
ans confined here.

Tuesday, 23rd. — Nothing extraordinary.

Wednesday, 24th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Thursday, 25th. — By advice from Mongheer hear his Excel-
lency and the Armenian general are in great panicks. Letters
arrive here to the Begum twice a day, often in order to quicken
her marches.

Friday, 26th. — The Begum set out on her march towards
Rotasgur. She has 1500 rutts, 3 camels, 100 elephants, a
number of boats, besides elephants, coaches, 1200 horse, and
200 Burgondosses are for the escort, having all his treasure
with her, and its currently said from some authority that his
Excellency will follow in 15 or 20 days.

Saturday, 27th. — Nothing extraordinary. Heard Jemedar
from Bucier, with 4000 horse and foot, passed this place in his
way down.

Sunday, 28th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Monday, 29th. — Hear many Armenians and Portuguise are
arrived here on account of the commotions below.

Tuesday, 30th. — It is said our troops are yet at Souty
Nulla ; that his Excellency has sent many Detachments down ;
that Grejare Cawn has no command, and a Jemedar, which
lately made his escape from Soujah Dowlah's country where he
was a prisoner, is appointed to the command in his stead ; that
his Excellency is still at Boglapoor. These 3 days past we cant
get our allowance on account of the confusion here.

Wednesday, 31st. — Yesterday had an account from the
Padra that some troops has arrived and joined the army, that

AND PORTRAITS 77

they had divided. Meer Jaffier with part of his troops lay at
the pass near Sutty, that Faseine Battry, on the side of a lake,
was raised by our troops under command of Major Carnac with
Major Adams of the 84th Regt. with Roydoulep was gone to a
Burbon road, a party had secured the Purnes country and stopt
provisions from crossing. Its confirmed that all the best
Jemedars are gone down, that Gregan Cawn is degraded
because he proposed a accommodation between his Excellency
and his Father. The Begum still pursues her journey. We
have a report Dr Fullarton has sent word to some of his black
friends here that he will see them in a few days.

September 1st. — To-day hear an account of our gaining a
complete victory at Sutty Nullah, but not confirmed this even-
ino". All the Armenian women set out to the westward.

Friday, 2nd. — ^Nothing extraordinary.

Saturday, 3rd. — Heard to-day from a messenger from our
camp at Sutty to a black Merchant that the Armys remained
there in their old position, that Major Adams had for certain
gone the Barbone road with a view to pass the hills, that
yesterday on account of it orders had been sent here for them
to keep a look out, after which many prepared for going off.
The Seats house herewith his Gamastahs were seized and three
lack of Rupies. Nobab Roy with the Begum is arrived at
Dandnagore, he has sent word to Ramnarain's family that he is
not put to death but in a secure place in Mongheer and in
irons with Rajah Bullup.

Sunday, 4th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Monday, 5th. — A report our having possess Malda.

Tuesday, 6th.— Heard to-day some ships being arrived at
Calcutta with Seapoys and Europeans. Bovals Cawn is
returned to Boglapoor and Mindie Aly Cawn got the command
of the army below. Comdar Cawn is stopt in the hills and
cant pass. Things are said to be in the greatest confusion at
His Excellency's court, this by letter.

Wednesday.— By a Messenger from Muxadavad in nine days
have the account of an action confirmed as follows. The enemy

78 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

made an attack on our Fashine Battery at night, our people
quitted it and having let about 4000 men land, for they crossed
the Nullah in boats, they immediately surrounded them and
cut them off.

Thursday, 8th. — Nothing extraordinary.

Friday, 9th. — Its said the Nabob has retreated 4 coss, there
is some rumour of some troops coming up the other side of the
river.

Saturday, 10th. — We have from Nicolas some confused
account of our storming the enemy's trenches in the nights,
entirely driving them thence and taking all their camp and
artillery. Somero and Marcott are missing, and the broken
troops obliged to retreat. It is reported six Jemedars which
went with Camdor Cawn are gone off. Things in the greatest
confusion in His Excellency's house.

Sunday, 11th. — We learned by a packet from Chinsera that
Mr Amyatt and Hay are ordered to Europe. Mr Summer who
is coming out 2nd in council and Mr M'Guire Buxie so that Mr
Vansittart seems to prevail which may produce strange effects
here. A messenger arrived from our camp which brings an
account of the action which he says he had from the Nabob's
Harcarrahs that Mindie Aly Cawn and another Jemedar was
killed and all their guns and Camp equipage were taken, that
a twenty gun ship and three sloops were coming up, and had
passed Nudda Santepoor.

Monday, 12th. — Hear six sack Rupies have arrived here
from the Begum to pay the troops here.

Tuesday, 13th. — Have a rumour of the troops being in
possession of the first pass, and that Mindie Ali Cawn is
certainly killed. That Mr Vansittart is suspended by the
Council. ... A boy from Mongheer brings an account
from Mr Jones having arrived there in a Dooly yesterday, a
Jemedar arrived at this place on some important business.

Wednesday, 14th. — It is said the Jemedars had been ordered
here to put the place in a posture of defence, this place is quite
full of the defeat of His Excellency's troops and the conse-
quence of it. People are going off daily. He has retreated

AND PORTRAITS 79

himself to Mongheer, and it is affirmed we have a strong party
coming thro' the hills and that the passes are abandoned.

Thursday, 15th. — Hear that the Armenian General is a
close prisoner and a Guard put over his effects. Hear also that
the Jamedar commanding at Mongheer had refused admittance
to his Excellency, and our troops would be at this place as soon
as his.

Friday, 16th. — We have not these nine days had any allow-
ance from the Nabob on account of the confusion here, the con-
sequence of the late defeats of his Excellency's troops ; heard
from a peon of Sir William Hope * that Captain Turner died
the night before he left Mongheer. To-day we divided what
cash remained in our possession which came to 30 Rupies each,
and have sent the greatest part of effects of others which were
with us to the Dutch Factory, this precaution we have taken
lest we be to march up the country with his Excellency.

Saturday, 17th. — Received advices of our army for certain
being at Shawbad, three coss above the upper pass, that His
Excellency is destroying Mongheer, and that they are here
destroying our Factory house and fortifying this place.

Sunday, 18th. — His Excellency's people are going off in
troops, Meria Caloil and Mindie Ali Cawn are both arrived
having fled from the late action. Our gentlemen are on their
way from Mongheer to this place, and it is thought His
Excellency intends pushing thro' the hill to Bengal in order to
draw our troops down, prolong time, and gain some assistance
which he may be in expectation of from above. To-day sent
my superfluous clothes to the Dutch factory. We also received
nine days allowance out of the 11 due us. Our peons here
seem in great agitation, and in short the whole city seem
ready to take wing. Hear His Excellency is 3 coss this side
Mongheer and our troops 16 coss from them.

Monday, 19th. — To-day all our gentlemen except Mr
FuUarton arrived from Mongheer, it is said Lady Hope f and

* Sir William Hope of Balcomie.

t Wife of Sir William Hope of Balcomie.

80 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

some other women are left behind, most of the gentlemen are in
irons. Captain Turner died of a fever at Mongheer, our servant
Dr Nicola in attempting to get into the gentlemen was made a
prisoner on account of his being dressed with a Cross sword and
target. No account of either our army or His Excellency's.

Tuesday, 20th and 21st. — Nothing extraordinary. Our
servant Nicola is released by making application to the Darbar.
Hear the Dutch chief has sent wine, etc., to Mr Ellis.

Thursday, 22nd. — Nothing extraordinary.

Friday, 23rd. — As his Excellency still continues at Mongheer,
it gives us reason to think our troops are not yet in possession
of the upper pass.

Saturday, 24th. — Hear for certain that our troops are at
Shawbad, that the enemy are repairing what of Mongheer they
had destroyed. That everything was in the greatest confusion
in His Excellency's camp. That Somers had the management
of everything. His Excellency had not eat for three days
nor allowed his Nagar to beat, that he being absent and Somers
not at Mongheer, and his army advanced to Gulgat Nullah so
that we may hourly expect some news.

Sunday, 25th. — This evening heard that 10 Europeans at
Bar had been tyd and thrown in the river, so that from this we
may guess what we are to expect. Have also an account that
purwannahs have arrived here to several Jemedars, and that it
is thought many are sent to the Jemedars of his Excellency's
camp. Some think he will be laid hold of by his own people.

Tuesday, 29th. — This morning hear that Lady Hope has
arrived at the Dutch Factory. A rumour prevails of his
Excellency having been completely defeated a few days ago
and lost every gun, etc. That he is on his way to Patna. The
very peons here are in great agitation here on that account.

Wednesday, 30th. — Heard from good authority that his
Excellency is retreating and was two days ago at Suriagurr.
Somero and the Armenians with a party at Mongheer and our
army at Baglepoor. A loose party had crossed the river and
were coming up the other side. Booalli Cawn with the Seats
and several other prisoners were at Bar, many prisoners having

AND PORTRAITS 81

been released. Among the rest Shake Mahomed was released
from this place and put under the care of a friend of his in his
Excellency's army, and goes out here to-morrow morning.

Thursday and Friday, 29th and 30th. — Hear that his
Excellency is 2 coss this side Ruinulla, and Sumro with the
Armenians at the Nullah ; that his people is going off daily, and
he is in great fear of his life. That about three weeks ago he
proposed cutting us all off, but was prevented by Somero, the
Armenians, and some of his Jemedars. That Mollidore with a
good force will be at Hodgepoor in three days ; that his
Excellency intends striking off for the hills at Ramnasera,
within a coss of this place. It is believed that his orders will
not be obeyed here, as most of the city seem willing to protect us,
Grogona Cawn had 15 horses which arrived here yesterday.
but the gates were shut and they were not permitted to enter.
As things go on towards a crisis our situation must create in us
much anxiety, it is said he will be at Ramnassa the day after
to-morrow, so that our fates must be determined in two or three
days at furthest.

Saturday, 1st October. — Mahmet Emy Cawn, with the Seats
and some other prisoners, still remain without the east gate.
12 Europeans which came with them arrived in the City
to-day.

Sunday, 2nd. — Heard that his Excellency would be at Bar
to-day, and our troops at Ruinullah; that Grigon Cawn is
either killed or badly wounded by his Moguls in a dispute about
pay. 10 Europeans arrived here to-day.

Monday, 3rd. — Hear the Seat and Mahmet Emy Cawn are
safe lodged in the City, and that this Jemedar sent his Chubdar
to Mr Ellis yesterday telling him not to be uneasy, and if he
wanted money he would let him have it. Many of our guards
have left us. Rice has rose within these few days to six seers for
a Rupee. Heard this night that his Excellency is at Besconpoor,
and will pass this place to-morrow ; are told not to be uneasy for
we should be safe.
F

82 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Tuesday, 4th. — To-day his Excellency arrived at Eamaraine's
Gardens, and to-morrow comes into the City. They have
been very busy to-day mounting guns on the bastions of
this place. Heard that Meer Jaffier's brother had made his
escape.

Wednesday, 5th. — Hear the Seats were cut off near Bar.

Thursday, 6th. — Heard this morning that Mr Ellis and 47
gentlemen were cut off last night, so that doubtless our fate
must be in 24 hours, for which God prepare us all.

" Patna,
" 6th October 1763.

"Dear Davidson, —

" Since my last his Excellency has been completely
defeated, and in consequence obliged to retreat. He came to
Jaffier's Cawn's Gardens yesterday, and purposes coming into
the city to-day. Somero with the Seapoys arrived here last night,
and I suppose to effect his wicked designs, for last night Mr Ellis
and 48 gentlemen were murdered, and as about an equal number
remains of soldiers and us, I expect my fate this night. Dear
Davidson, this is no surprise to me for I have all along expected
it. I must therefore, as a dying man, request of you to collect
and remit home my fortune as soon as possible, and write home
a comforting letter to my Father and Mother, let them know
I die bravely as a Christian ought, for I fear not he who can
kill the body and nothing more, but rejoice in hopes of a future
existence thro' the merits of my Saviour. O, Davidson, be not
over anxious for a fortune, let mediocrity satisfie you, and go
home and comfort your friends and mine ; endeavour to recover
Mr Ellis's money if possible, but I believe the 14,000 Rupies
with Hancock is safe, which will be a help for my poor friends.
You have full instructions in my other papers ; you may give
Nicola if he comes to you 200 Rs., and if you can, provide for
him, for he is a good boy.

" Now, dear friend, I take my leave of you hoping that ; that
friendship will still subsist, for why may there not be the same

I

AND PORTRAITS 83

friendship in a future state, friendship founded on virtue must
subsist for ever. Fare you well, and may God give you satisfac-
tion in life and joy in death.

" Yours,

"(Signed) William Anderson."

On the 9th or llth, Dr Anderson and Dr Campbell and Capt.
Wilson & Lieuts. Armstrong and Mackay were killed by Somroo's
Sepoys, also 200 soldiers. In the beginning of these notices
regarding the family of Hope, we came to Sir William Hope,
grandson of the first Sir William Hope of Balcomy. He began
life in the Navy, and then entered the Army, 31st Foot, and
then Captain in the East India Company's Service. In 1763
he was with the Army at Patna and was with Mr Ellis, and
one of the 48 gentlemen whom Dr Anderson records were " cut
off last night."

On hearing that the English had taken Monghir, the Nabob
told Somers to make an end of the English prisoners, and this
was how he did it. He invited them to sup with him, and he
asked them to lend him their knives and forks in order he
might entertain them in the English fashion. As they arrived
" to sup," Somers stood at some distance in the cook-room to
give his orders. As soon as Mr Ellis and Mr Lushington
entered, the former was seized by the hair, and one forcing
back his head, another cut his throat, on which Mr Lushington
knocked him down with his fist, seized his sword and killed
one and wounded two more, before he was cut down himself.
The others thus suddenly attacked and wholly unarmed, made
long and brave defence — with only bottles and plates they
killed many of their assailants, but in the end they were all
slaughtered. One of the number, Captain Jackine, had gone
into a side place on arrival, and thus escaped for two days,
but was then seized and killed. During the resistance,
Somers bid the Sepoys go on the roof and fire on them from
there ; the Sepoys objected, begging the English might be
given arms to defend themselves, and then — thus they would

84 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

fight and slay them, but for answer, those demurring to
butcher were by his orders themselves knocked down with
bamboos.

Thus fell the last man of the Hopes of Balcomie. His back
to the wall, fighting at fearful odds, no weapon but a broken
bottle or a piece of a china plate, against cutlasses and swords,
brave to the end. " One more gone for England's Glory."

His wife (Lady Hope), who was a Dutch lady, had taken
refuge with Dr Fullarton and one soldier in the Dutch Factory.
She afterwards married Mr Lambert, and she died in 1766,
when Balcomie was sold.

Copy of Narrative Received by the Council from
Dr Fullarton.

From the 17th of the month of June, preparations of War
were carried on with great vigor on both sides. Mindi Aly
Cawn, who governed the city, was employed in repairing the
ramparts, cleaning the ditch and posting troops on the walls,
and doubling all the guards to the westward of the city. The
Factory Walls were likewise repaired, the Ditch was Cleaned
and two 24 pounders were mounted, the Terras top of the
Factory house was all round Fortified with Sand bags, and two
three pounders were mounted there.

About ten o'clock at night of the 24th June, Mr Ellis sent
for me from the Hospital, and ordered that the sick might be
embarked in boats, and carried over to the Sand Opposite to
the City, and from thence tracked up and crossed over to the
Factory. My orders were to embark exactly at two o'clock in
the morning (that being the hour apointed for the attack of
the City), which was accordingly executed, and with the sick
which consisted of 23 Europeans, got safe to the Factory, about
Nine O'clock in the morning ; at half an hour before one, the
troops under the command of Capt. Carstairs marched from the
Cantonents in two divisions, and Capt. Carstairs having sent 50
Seapoys (25 to each of the grand Roads) ; at 11 the night of

AND PORTRAITS 85

the 24th June, to take every body that might pass that way,
till the arrival of the troops, they took fifty prisoners, great
many of whom were Harcarras, by which means they had not
the least intelligence in the City. The first Division com-
manded by Capt. Carstairs consisting of 150 Europeans, Capt.
Tabby's battalion of Seapoys and five Company of Capt.
Wilson's. The Second Division consisted of 50 EuropeaPL,
Capt. Turners battalion of Seapoys and two guns. The first
Division with the Scaling Ladders came down the great
Western Road, the Second came through the Town right to the
west Gate, and there remained under Cover, the first division
planted their Ladders near the South West Bastion of the City,
they mounted and got in with little opposition and little Loss,
they marched down along the walls to the west gate which they
opened (our guns & small arms keeping a constant fire from the
Factory upon the City till the Second Division and Guns came
in) ; Lieut. Downie who commanded in the Factory with 3 Com-
panys of Seapoys, a little after our troops had got the possession
of the west gate, stormed the Berbunna Gate. Got in with
little loss, and marched to the Killa, partly by the River side
partly by lanes near the river, Capt. Tabby with his Battalion
went round the walls and drove the Enemy from them, posting
his own Guards, as he went and came to the East Gate, by the
time both our Divisions had got into the City, Mirza Mindi aly
Cawn, the Governor, had intelligence of it and had collected a
Body of Horse and Gunmen . . . and marching down the
main Street he met Capt. Carstairs with Capt. Turner's
Seapoys, Europeans, and Guns, he lined the Streat and filled
the Lanes and the Tops of the Houses of both sides, and a
warm scuffle insued with loss on both sides, Capt. Perry and
Lieut. M'Dowell were both killed. Captain Jacker and Wilson
were wounded and 30 Europeans killed and wounded with a
number of Seapoys, but our Grape and Musketry was so warm
that they retired, and Mindi aly Cawn with the rest of the
commanders went out at the East Gate of the City, and took
the road towards Futna ; our troops marched to the East Gate
after them and there met Capt. Tabby who had just arrived

86 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

having come round the Walls, the East Gate was imediately
shutt, the Bridge leading into it broke down, and the Seapoys
sent alono^ the Killa Walls down to the River side, and took
possession of the only Gate remaining in the hands of the
enemy called the Water Gate. After this several messages
passed between Capt. Oarstairs and Mr Ellis and everything
seemed to be over. About 9 o'clock Capt. Oarstairs came to
the Factory with several of the Officers, at 10 we heard firing
in the Killa, and the Gentlemen went to the Fort, the firing
continued and increased. One, Lollsa, a Foot Jemmautdaar,*
who had his women in a house in the Killa, did not chuse to
leave them, so retired into his house with 30 men, and there
remain quiet till some of our Seapoys began to plunder his
house, he then in defence of his women drove them out ; there
were likewise about 200 men who had secreted themselves in a
large house near the Killa called Chelsetown ; Lollsa after
having driven the Seapoys from his House tired on the Gentries
that were posted on the walls of the Killa near his House, and
sent a Message to Mindi aly Cawn, who with the rest of the
principal commanders had got the length of Fatua Bridge, that
if he could return he would be able with his assistance to drive
the English out of the City. Mindi aly Cawn met at Futua
with Alum Cawn 100 horse and 20 camels loaded with fire
arrows sent from Mongheer for his garrison just at the time of
his receiving Lollsa's message ; he immediately returned, and
by the way picked up about one thousand horse and foot that
were flying from the City at the same time that Lollsa sent to
Mindi Aly Cawn ; he sent likewise to the Chelsetoon and told
those men that were there that he had still defended part of
the Killa, and desired their assistance. About 50 of them
came to him by a small passage from the Chelsetoon to the
Killa, and there they defended themselves till near 12 o'clock,
when Mindi aly Cawn arrived. About this time our Seapoys
were employed in plundering the town, and little order or
obedience to their Officers was observed, nor could a sufficient

* Jemmautdaar, an officer of the same rank with the Roman Centurion.

AND PORTRAITS 87

body of them be got together to make a stand, so that Hindi
Aly Cawn met with little resistance in driving all our troops
out of the City. As our people went along they met with
enemys everywhere; the Seapoys who had concealed themselves
in the different houses upon hearing of the Naib's return salHed
out everywhere and fired on them, so that about 3 o'clock they
arrived at the Factory in the utmost confusion, having lost in
the retreat Lieut. Reid of the Artillery, Lieut. Downie of the
Seapoys killed, and Lieut. Parry wounded. Several attempts
were made by the officers to rally botli the Seapoys and
Europeans, but to no purpose ; it was generally imagined that
great part of the Seapoys were gone off with what plunder they
had got, and that night at a muster there were only about 170
Europeans and 1200 Seapoys to be found, the confusion of
such a number of troops with the sick and wounded in so small
a place as the Factory must be easily imagined, and that even-
ing about sunset the City was strongly reinforced by Marcott
with 1300 Seapoys and 2 guns and some horse, who that night
began to ply us with musketry from the walls, and canonading
the Factory from the West Gate. Messrs Greentree and
Puckering were called from the Cantonments, where they had
been left with two hundred new Seapoys.

The 26th. — In the morning the fire from the City increased,
and the confusion with us was greater ; early in the morning
Mr Ellis sent for me and ordered me to go over to the Sand
opposite to the Factory with 50 Seapoys, and collect all the
boats I could get. The fire was very warm, both from the
Factory and the City all that day. About 12 o'clock I was
ordered by Mr Ellis to proceed with what boats I had collected
to Palyeah Gott, about 3 coss upon the river, and there to
remain for further orders. At three in the afternoon I was
ordered to get the boats ready for transporting the troops over
into the Sarcarsaring Country as soon as possible. At 10
o'clock at night they arrived in number about 170 Europeans
and 1200 Seapoys with a Howitz ; our troops on their leaving
the Factory set fire to the Gunje, and all the battlement
Bungloes near the Factory, to hinder the enemy's approach,

88 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

and an officer with 30 Europeans remained in the Factory half
an hour after the main body marched off, to bring up the rear
with the baggage, but the fire from the City was so warm that
the Cooleys and Lascars threw most part of the ammunition
down and deserted, so that only seven Banelar of Musquet
ammunition were saved, and the Seapoys and Europeans had
only 12 rounds a man. About day light in the morning the
troops got all to the other side of the river, and were obliged to
halt there, for Mr Lushington, who had embarked from the
Factory with the Company's Treasure in small Pulwars, he
arrived at 10 o'clock with only the loss of one boat, which was
sunk by the enemy's shott at the Factory Gott.

The 27th. — A little before sunset we marched from Paluja
to Ryputtu, being four coss, where the army got no provisions,
but a little rice, the country people being afraid to supply us on
account of the Fousdar Nideram's being in arms to oppose us.
Mr Ellis ordered me to take charge of the Treasure, with all the
boats, and allotted for their Guard one company of Seapoys.
The boats had a fine wind and sailed all night.

The 28th. — The boats were fired at from the Budgepoore
side of the Country by Sumroo, who was there preparing to
cross the river to attack us ; no news of the troops till 3 o'clock
in the afternoon, when they arrived at Chiran when the boats
lay for them, they had rested the night of the 27th at Ryputtu,
being 4 coss from Paluja, and from Ryputtu to Chiram was 5
coss.

The 29th. — The Army proceeded to Agaib Gunje, they were
discontented for want of provisions the day before, this being
a village of the Company's they got some rice ; the boats were
this morning, before the troops marched, reinforced by Lieut.
Armstrong with another Company of Seapoys. We had news
that Nideram was coming to fight with us with 3000 horse and
3000 foot.

The 30th. — We marched from Agaib Gunje to Maripore, 5
coss. The boats came up within a coss of the Camp, into
the Dewa River, but it was with great difficulty, we being

AND PORTRAITS 89

obliged to track. Nideram came, and was defeated with no loss
on our side, but about 200 of his men killed. This day a boat
that fell in the rear was taken, a Havildan and 8 Seapoys were
in it, three of them were killed, the rest joined but without their
arms. Nideram went towards Chuprah a few coss, where he
met Sumroo with 3 battalions of Seapoys and eight pieces of
cannon and a large body of horse, sent from Patna after us.
Sumroo made Nideram return, but we had no intelligence of
them. Our Harcarrahs had all deserted, and none of the
country people would come near us.

July 1st. — The army came to the banks of the Dewa, a coss
from where they lay at Maripoor, the Dewa formed 8 streams
at this place, our boats got into the middle one and could not
pass thro' for want of water ; they were half a mile from the
army, and were ordered down to the place where the three
streams met. The army likewise moved this morning, and in
marching off the party of 100 Seapoys lost their way, and had
a warm scuffle with part of Shimroo's Guards, only the Subadar
and 85 Seapoys, with the colours, got to us. About 8 o'clock, we
were surrounded by Shimroo with 3 battalions of Seapoys, 8
pieces of cannon, a body of about 10,000 horse and foot,
Nideram included. Two of Shimroo's battalions had Europe
arms and one Country Matchlocks ; and on their approach
orders were sent for the 200 Seapoys that had been left to
guard the boats to join us; we got the Howitz landed and
prepared to receive them. They came within 800 yards and
began to cannonade us ; there was a Nullah about 50 yards in
our front, but little water in it, and a small bank in the front
of our line, behind which we were drawn up. The enemy did
not seem much inclineable to attack us, but kept a brisk fire from
their artillery and Gengalls. About 10 o'clock it was determined
that we should attack them, and Mr Ellis being much fatigued,
and somewhat out of order, came down to the boats and
ordered some liquor to be sent up to the men. A little after
this Capt. Carstairs was mortally wounded with a Gengall ball,
and the command devolved on Capt. Tabby. Our people were
not allowed to fire on account of the great scarcity of ammuni-

90 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

tion, and the enemy began to come nearer and nearer, but very
slowly. At 3 in the afternoon a company of their Seapoys
came down to the banks of the Nullah and lay behind them,
and kept a warm fire of musketry on us. They all after this
moved down by degrees, and used to stop the cannon and fire,
and tlien move again. Our Troops were much fatigued for
want of Provisions, etc., and being exposed to a warm fire all
day. About half an hour after sunset the firing increased, and
they began to ply us with musketry ; crossed the Nulla, and
attacking us on all sides. About eight at night the European
broke and fled, the Seapoys stood their ground keeping a warm
fire upon the enemy till all their ammunition was expended,
when they likewise gave way. Lieut. Puckering and Craffts,
both of the Seapoys, were killed ; and the rest of the gentlemen
that were in the field were taken either that night or next
morning. The boats, where Mr Ellis was, finding the fire cease,
and some of the Officers that could swim crossed the branch of
the River (for the boats lay on an island) opposite to where the
action was, pushed off and got into the river. Messrs Ellis and
Howitt and Smith, with Capt. Jouker, thought proper to write
to Nideram to send some of his people to conduct them to
Patna, to Mindi aly Cawn, and it was likewise determined that
Mr Ellis should write to Mindi aly Cawn, desiring that he
should send orders for conducting him and the gentlemen safe
there. About 10 at night I was sent with a letter to Mindy aly
Cawn. About 12 next morning, the 2nd July, I sent immedi-
ately to the Naib to let him know that I was come ; he sent
for me, and used me very well, sending an order to Nideram
to conduct the Gentlemen safe to him, but before that could
arrive they were all taken by Shimroo that morning. About
10, I was kept a close prisoner in the Killa, and at night the
Naib came and desired rae to write a Chitt to some Gentlemen
that were come in a Budgerow to Hagipoore, to come to him,
as they might be ill used by the country people, which I did.
They came two days after, and were sent immediately to
Mongheer, but were sent back again and kept in the Chelse-
town. They had buried Captain Carstairs, who died of his

AND PORTRAITS 91

wound, in his Budgerow. These gentlemen were Capt. Wilson,
Lieut. Armstrong, Ensign Makay, Mr Anderson, Surgeon, and
Mr Peter Campbell and two soldiers.

July 6th. — Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen were
brought to Patna. I petitioned the Naib to be sent to them,
or be suffered to see them, both which were refused.

8th. — Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen were sent to
Mongheer, and there confined ; there was 45,000 Rs. of the
Company's cash on board the Budgerow, where Mr Ellis was
taken, and some plate which was given to him, but in the care
of some of the Nabob's people, to be given him when he wanted
it. Some time it remained with Coja Petrusso, afterwards
with Mamodom Cawn.

The 16th I was sent down to Mongheer and there confined,
separately from the rest of the gentlemen, who, as I afterwards
understood, were all well used, tho' strictly confined. We had
victuals sent us by the Nabob regularly twice a day.

August 10th. — The Nabob left Mongheer and the Fort was
left in charge of Mamodom Cawn ; he treated us with the
greatest lenity to appearances, and pretended to carry on a
treaty with Mr Ellis, but it was all a sham, for he never was in
earnest ; I was allowed to see the gentlemen on account of
Capt. Turner's being ill, who afterwards died of a flux.

The 10th Sept. — Mr Ellis and the rest of the gentlemen
were sent from Mongheer. Messrs Ellis & Greentree were on
Pallankeens, Lushington, Smith. Lieut. Brown, Ensign M'Leod
and one other gentleman who I don't remember were on
Horseback, the rest were in Irons, some in Dolleys, and some
in Harcarrys, and after their arrival at Patna were confined in
Hadgeehamitt's house.

Sept. 19th.— I was sent from Mongheer to Patna, and con-
fined alone in the Killa.

Octr. the 5th.— Mr Ellis with the rest of the gentlemen
were inhumanly butchered by Shimroo, who came that evening

92 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

to the place with 2 companys of Seapoys (he had the day
before sent for all the knives and forks from the gentlemen), he
surrounded the house with his people and went into a little
outer square, and sent for Messrs Ellis, Hay, and Lushington,
and with them came six other gentlemen, who were all terribly
mangled, and cut to pieces, and their bodys thrown into a well
in the square and it filled up, then the Seapoys were sent into
a large square and fired on the gentlemen there, and rushing
upon them cut them into pieces in the most inhuman manner,
and they were thrown into another large well which was like-
wise filled up.

The 7th. — The Nabob sent for me and told me to get myself
in readiness to go to Calcutta, for that as he had been unlucky
in the War, which he insisted with great warmth had not been
of his seeking, nor had he been the Agressor, reproaching the
English with want of fidelity and breach of Treaty, but he said
he had still hopes of an accommodation. He asked me what I
thought of it. I told him I made nod oubt of it. When some
of his people then present mentioned the affair of Mr Amyatt's
death, he declared he had never given any order of killing Mr
Amyatt, but after receiving advice of Mr Ellis having attacked
Patna, he had ordered all his servants to take and imprison all
the English in the provinces wherever they could find them ; he
likewise added that if a treaty was not set afoot he would bring
the King, the Marattoes, and Abdullo, against us, and so ruin
our trade, etc. He had finished his letters, and ordered boats
and Guards to conduct me, when upon the advice of some of
his people he stopped me, and said there was no occasion for
me to go ; after his sending for me, at first he ordered the
Seapoys (in whose chaige I was) to go to their quarters, and
two Moguls and twelve Harcarras to attend me, but to let me
go about the City where I pleased.* I then applyed for to
have Liberty to stay at the Dutch Factory which was granted,
I applyed to Mindi aly Cawn for his interest in behalf of the

* The Nabob is said to have spared Dr FuUarton because of some
previous medical service he had rendered him.

AND PORTRAITS 93

gentlemen in the Chelsetoon who were seven in number, and
were not killed till the 11th of Octr., but when he was
petitioned about them he gave no answer, but still sent orders
to Simroo to cut them off; I likewise applyed to AUi Ibraham
Cawn to interceed for them, but he gave him no answer
either, tho' I was present when Ibrahim Cawn petitioned for
them.

The 14th. — On the approach of our army, Cossim Ally
decamped with his troops in great confusion and marched as
far as Fulway, 3 cosse to the westward of the city. The
Harcarrahs that were with me having no orders about me, I
gave them some money which made them pretty easy.

The 23rd. — After giving money to a Jamaldar, that had the
Guards to the Westward of the Dutch Factory, by the River
side, I set out in a small Pulwar, and got safe to the boats
under command of Captain Wedderburn, that were lying
opposite to the City, on the other side of the river, and at 11
o'clock that night arrived at the Army, under the command of
Major Adams lying at Jutly.

[End of Dr Fullarton's Narrative.]

These cruel massacres were not long unrevenged. Major
Adams marched with the body of his Army without delay from
Mongheer to Patna. The Enemy made sallies with vigour and
spirit after the siege commenced, and blew up a principal
Magazine, but the cannon destroyed the defences, silenced the
guns and made a practicable breach, and this important city
was taken on the 6th November 1763, after eight days' siege.

Archibald Swinton, Lieutenant Goddart, with Captain
Smith were in the advanced post, and retook the battery, when
he was so severely wounded as to necessitate the loss of his
right arm. His brother, Lord Swinton, preserved a copy of
this paragraph in a letter from John Johnston at Bengal to his
brother, Governor Johnston, in London.

94 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

" Dec. 14th, 1763.

" It is with particular pleasure I can inform you of the high
dessert and exploits of Captains Irving and Swinton ; none
stands higher in the lists of fame or in the good opinion and
regard of all that know them.

" Next to those who are dead, we cannot enough mourn for
the hard lot of worthy Swinton, who was wounded in the left
hand at the Siege of Monghur, and in the right at that of
Patna, in a sally. It has been obliged to be cut off since above
the elbow, and his life saved with much difficulty. He thinks
to return to England this season."

After the siege of Patna, Meer Cassim fled to the Nabob of
Oude, who received him, but refused to receive his Army.
The English Army was cantoned on the Frontier.

[The following here finds place, and shows the difficulties
which those in command encountered even when the Army was
not in active service. I give the account unchanged as regards
spelling and all else.]

"Account of the Desertion of the Europeans belong-
ing TO THE Honourable United Company in Bengall,
February 12th, 1764."

The Army lay at Sant, under the Command of Capt.
Jennings before mentioned, a considerable time without any-
thing remarkable, only exersizing the Great Guns and small
arms, and sending letters backwards and forwards to the King
of Dillee, and Shuja Dowlah, untill the 9th day of February,
in the Morning, when the Battalion being ordered out to
Exersize, & the Adjutant, Mr James Forster, come upon the
Parade, he gave the Word of Command — " Rest your firlocks,"
but not a man made any Motion ; upon which he gave the
Word again, but not a man would stir. He then ordered them

AND PORTRAITS 95

to the Right about, but they would not do that neither; upon
which he asked them their grevance, but not a man spoake ;
whereupon Capt. Forster sent to Capt. Jennings, who came, and
after a great many promises that if any one would turn out
and tell their Grevance, that he should not be hurt, one of
them stept out, and on being asked, he told them that the Prize
money was Promised to be paid to them sev^ times but never
was, and that they heard that Major Carnac had stoped
payment in Calcutta. Whereupon Capt^s. Jennings & Forster
told them it would be p<i in a few Days, and that concerning
Major Carnac was all false, they then went to the Right about,
lodged their Arms and went to their Tents, and all was very
quiet, till the 11th, then about 8 o'clock the camp was alarmed
by the Drums beating of the General, and all the Men Turning
out in a confused Order, the Troopers began to Saddle their
horses, but L*- Geo. Bolton Eyres, who commanded the horse
then in Camp, Draw'd his sword upon one Symmons, Camp
Colour man, upon which they Run to the Bell Tent, took up
their Arms and Joined the Battalion on foot. Capt^- Jennings
thought to supress the Mutiny by seesing the Ring Leader and
confining on him, but here he was Mistaken, for 8 or 10 fixed
their Bayonets, and if he had not run for it would certainly
have took his life. They then proceeded to Appoint Officers,
such as One Collenol and Two Majors, and one Jack Straw,
a Desperate sort of a fellow, was made Adjutant, and sent a
party of men to the Right to Secure the Park, & all the
Lascars & Bollocks that they could find, and likewise one to
the left, for the same Purpose, and a Party was sent along with
the Troopers to gett their horses, whilse a party went with
Capfn- Stables to the Nabob, with one who could speak the
tounge, who told them that he would give them a lack of
Rupees. Directly, and one more in two hours time, and
likewise a Bill upon Patna for two lack more. In the mean-
time all the officers was collecting all the Money they could, and
brought it, and laid it before them on the Parade, But all this
would not satisfy them, for they insisted upon the Immediate
Paiment of 500 Rs- each Man, By this time the Troopers joined

96 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

them, with the aforesaid Mr Symmons, and the Black Cavalry
and Mr Symmons took command of the whole Cavalry, and the
two other Partys also joined them, then they faced to the
Right and Marched off with 5 guns towards the Nabob, whose
tent they sarounded, and pointed a Gun at it. But recollecting,
they faced again and Marched for the Carramnassa, (the
Granadiers who in the first Mutiny where sent to join the
Advanced party of Seapoys who lay at the Carramnassa, were
upon the Braking out of the Mutiny a-fresh, sent for and
returned a Different road to what the Battalion went, which
was the reason of their missing them) giving out that they
were going to fetch the Granadiers, but when they came to a
Crick which lay in their way, they left the Guns for want of
Bullocks, which were presently brought back, they then pro-
ceeded on to the Carramnassa, and the Officers followed beging
of them to return, which several of the English Did, beginning
to find out the Design of the Foreigners. The Foreigners
proceeding on their March to the Carramnassa where most of the
Seapoys that was there, join'd and went with them a-cross the
Carramnassa River, and proceeded for Benares, by this Time
Most of them Returned, as likewise the Seapoys, but the
Frenchmen still march'd on till about 12 o'clock at night,*
when they halted and Appointed Mr De-Le-Mar (formerly
Sargant of the French Company in his Majesty's 84th Regt.)
Commander in Chief. Then they sett forward again and
arrived at Banaras. Cap*- Jennings & the Nabob sent
Harcarars, to the Raja of Banaras to stop the Deserters, which
he said he would, but on the Contrary, supplyed them with a
thousand Rupees, and Boats to cross them over the River, which
they Did and joined Cossun Alley Cawn & Somro and Collenol
De le Mar sent a letter to Cap*- Jennings, in which he said
that they had always behaved like good soldiers, all the
Campaign, they had been used ill, and was always put upon,
and that they had this Design in hand a great wile before, but
could never find an opportunity till this June of getting away,
and that as they was frenchmen we should alwas find them as
Sfood frenchmen still.

AND PORTRAITS 97

A list of the Europeans who Deserted, 12th February 17G4,
from the European Battalion : —

Non. Com. and Private - - 154

From the First Troops of European

Cavalry - - _ . 9

From the Second Troops of European

Cavalry - - _ . 7

Total Europeans 170

From the Different Battalions of Seapoys with Europe Arms,
two hundred, and with much Difficulty were cept from firing ;
had one firlock gone off by accident or other wise it would
certainly been the distruction of the whole Army and the lose
of almost, if not quite all, the Europeans & the total lose of
Bengali, but God who foresees all things ordered it other wise."

The following letter upon the same subject I give also : —
James Logan to James Campbell.

Feb. 13, 1764.

Dear Jamie,

Pray why so long silent, do you return or do you
go home ? What are you doing or what are you about to do ?
It would be kind but to let us know — you wrong me if you think
your concerns of such moment are indifferent to me. I assure
you I think myself interested in them, and I imagine your
sentiments with regard to mine are the same.

Here is the Devil to pay, and no Pitch Hot about the Bill
money, the day before yesterday almost the whole Europeans
took up arms and demanded the payment of the Prise money
immediately, they appointed a Colon ell and 2 Majors to
command them, the former of whom with a body guard to attend
him, went with Capt. Stables to the Nabob who proposed
sending immediately to Patna for 2 lack of rupees to give them,
but they would not wait nor would they accept of 30,000 Rupees
G

98 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

which the officers collected and offered them upon the Parade,
but since they would not have their prese money said they
would go join Cassim Ali-con, accordingly they seized 5 pieces
of cannon, mounted all the troop horses & marched off in
regular order. Part of the Mogul Horse brought up their rear
and forced along many Europeans who were unwilling to go,
they soon left the guns and marched on with them in good
order towards the Caremnassa which they crossed and encamped
3 coss beyond it that night, the greatest part of Shibbert's
Battalion of Seapoys which was at the Caremnassa joined them
and crossed it with them, but they almost all returned as well
as the Europeans who are all come back, except about 200 who
were almost all Foreigners that are gone for good. Serjeant Dela-
mare, late of the Regiment, is their commander in Chief. All
the Europeans now in Camp have received 40 cuir Rs. a man,
and are contented, but to-day Swinton's, Smith's and Gaillases
Battalions took up arms and were going to follow the Deserters,
but I hear they've all returned, but on what terms I don't yet
know, being here a coss from Camp with the Hospital, which
I have had the care of for this month past.

Now the above is all the news (& a damned deal too I
think) pray let me have but half as much from you in return.

I have not yet received the money of Captain Nolleking, pray
deliver the enclosed Belt to Godard and receive the money if
he intends to pay it, he has used me damned (ill ?) already in
not paying it. I wrote him since he has been in Calcutta about
it, he has not deigned me an answer. Pray write me soon, and

Believe me to be,

Dear Campbell,

Yours sincerely,

Jas. Logan.

Mahuneah,

Feby. 13th, 1764.

Major Carnac arrived to take command in March. The
Army was scarce of provisions, and the troops still discontented

AND PORTRAITS 99

about pay, so they retreated to Patna and camped under the
walls of the city. The following clear account of the situation
and events that ensued is written by Colonel Richard Smith to
Mr Orme.

From Col. Richard Smith to Mr Orme, relative to the
Campaigns— 1764 and 1765.

You have long since heard that Cossin Allee had influence
enough to prevail, or rather riches enough to tempt Sujah
Dowlah, and he became a party in the quarrel. You must
most undoubtedly have been surprised beyond measure when
the news of the Mutiny (amongst our troops) arrived in Europe.
In my own opinion, Bengal never was so near a crisis. It is
very probable Sujah Dowlah would have secured Cossim's
treasure without committing hostilities against us, if this defec-
tion had not happened in our own Army. Two hundred
Europeans, chiefly foreigners, joined him at once. The whole
Battalion marched several miles from Camp for the same
purpose, the Englishmen were prevailed on to return. Soon
after the Seapoy's mutinied, & a Battalion actually marched off
to join Sujah's Army. What a flattering prospect presented
itself to that young Vizier not yet thirty years of age. He
could not withstand it. He crossed the Carumnassa, with the
most formidable army that any Nabob has commanded for
many years. Want of provisions obliged our Army to retreat
towards Patna, & at last we entrenched ourselves under the
walls of that City. Carnac commanded in this critical juncture.
The Vizier's Army surrounded Patna & our intrenchments.
Armed Boats on the Ganges saved our Army from famine. It
was very much apprehended that Sujah Dowlah would detach
a considerable Corps from before Patna to possess even
Muxadavad— but fortunately for us the retreat of our Army
had elated him beyond measure. On the 3rd May 1764 he
made a general attack upon all our intrenchments. Carnac
wisely stood upon the defensive, and the Moors were at every
post repulsed with loss. (But remark the effect of Party rage.

100 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Carnac was blamed at Calcutta for not following the Blow, by
marching directly to attack the enemy, although his Troops had
been under arms Twenty six hours, & engaged almost half the
time with the Enemy.) The Vizier remained some days longer
in the vicinity of Patna, & the rainy season approaching, he
crossed the Carumnassa and wintered in his own Dominions.
Major Carnac in the ensuing Month having had notice of his
Dismission from the Service, before the public advices arrived,
quitted the command of the army, and a detachment of High-
landers, being arrived from Bombay commanded by Major
Munro of the 89th regiment ; these were sent to reinforce our
Army, & before the Season for Action Major Munro arrived
at Patna in the character of Commander in chief. When the
rainy season was past we took the field, & crossed the Sohn.
In October the Vizier's army was assembled and marched
towards us. Towards the end of the month we fought the
battle of Buxar, and gained a very complete Victory, In very
few days after this our Army took possession of Benares. Sir
Robert Fletcher arrived in Camp second in Command. The
season approached when His Majesty's Troops must either
remain another year or proceed to Calcutta for embarkation.
The Shahzadah or more properly the King came, once more,
under our protection. Some overtures were made by Sujah
Dowla for a Treaty, We demanded the delivery of Cossim
Allee, Sumroo, & the Corps of Frenchmen as Preliminaries ;
either he had too much Honour, or he did not suppose his
Situation quite desperate. We were too much elated by success
to recede. The Success Transport arrived with advice of the
change of the Administration, of India affairs, in Europe. The
Packet not being addressed to Vansittart, he declined opening
it until he was prevailed on by his Council, & would have
quitted his Government but for their Solicitations, The
Brigadier's Commission for Carnac hastened Major Munro's
return. He left the Command of the Army to Sir Robert
Fletcher, who you know is naturally of a military turn & fond
of Exploits, He did not totally approve of our inactivity after
|.he Battle of Buxar, he was therefore determined to make the

AND PORTRAITS 101

best use of his interval of Command, and marched towards
Ilhiabad the Capital. Chinargur, a fort of importance, after
two unsuccessful attacks on our part was abandoned by the
enemy, Sujah Dowlah attended the Army with a Body of six or
seven thousand Horse, skirmishing often, but never venturing
near enough to engage. We took possession of the Capital
without any material loss; after a very short siege it capitulated.
In January General Carnac posted to Camp to command the
Army once more ; in the same Month Mr Vansittart sailed for
Europe, leaving Spenser in the Government. In February
Jaffier Allee Cawn died ; his eldest natural son he very earnestly
recommended to be his Successor. The Lapwing was arrived
from Europe, with certain intelligence of Lord Clive's coming
out, and had more over brought out the Covenants concerning
Presents — more of this hereafter. Sujah Dowlah driven from
his Capital endeavoured to form an Alliance, that might
reinstate him in his Dominions, & Mulhar Row, a Morattoe
General, commanding some thousand Horse, he took into his
pay, & endeavoured to prevail on the Rohella Chiefs to join
him, but without any great effect, tho' he had a very consider-
able Corps of Pitans, called by us Durunnies. Thus he collected
a very numerous Corps of Troops, but by no means equal to the
preceding Campaign, for having Idst his Field Artillery in the
Action at Buxar he could not repair that misfortune. The
General had sent detachments, who took possession of the
Cities of Owd & Lucknow, & settled those Provinces, and
when he heard that the Vizier had collected something like an
Army, & intended once more to try his fortune, he marched
from Ilhiabad fifty or sixty Coss to meet him. The Morattocs
had entered the Provinces by the side of Korah ; the General
crossed the Ganges to meet them, & on the 3rd May came up
with them; they made but an inditferent stand. After this
Skirmish Sujah Dowlah separated from them, & the General
kept pursuing the Morattoes until he drove them quite over
the Jumna, and obliged them to abandon the fort of Calpee,*

* 22nd May.— (Attack at Calpee). Letters to Council from General
Carnac : " In the dead of night, marched up 3 battalions of Sepoys with

102 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

which they possessed on the opposite side within fifty Coss of
Agra.

The Vizier's attempt to recover his Dominions was very
feeble indeed, and he now was convinced of the impracticability
of it. From Military operations he could have no hopes of
success. He had seen the very honourable reception we had
twice given to his Royal Master, and was determined to try
what a Reception he should receive by placing an unlimited
confidence in our Honour. He accordingly wrote a letter to
the General, and the very next day came into our camp, where
he was received with all possible marks of distinction.

He remained with the General till Lord Olive arrived in
these parts. On the 31st July, Sujah Dowlah, the General,
and myself met his Lordship at Chunderonty, a fort situated on
the Ganges, five coss below Benares. From Benares they pro-
ceeded to Allahabad, to settle all matters with the King and
afterwards with Sujah Dowlah.

[End of Smith to Orme.]

The following is from Archibald Swinton's Notes : —

Negotiations detained the General some days. He arrived
with the King at Allahabad on the 25th. Here he received
letters from Binny Bahader, Prime Minister to Sujah Dowlah,
who rented most part of the Provinces of Oude and Lucknow,
offering to submit on certain terms, and bring over great part
of Sujah Dowlah's forces, who had at this time left his own
country and was gone towards Delhy in order to endeavour to
engage some of the other Powers of the Empire into a con-
federacy in his favour.

2 guns, but our boats being so few (only two) and small, not more than
half (about 1100) the Sepoys, with the two guns, could be got over before
day appeared. This much was done, however, without the Enemy having
the least notice of it, and these Sepoys were so well conducted by Major
Jennings, with the assistance of Captain Swinton, as to clear the opposite
shore entirely of the enemy, whom I judge to have been from 8 to
10,000. '

AND PORTRAITS 103

The General sent Binny Bahader letters of safe conduct,
and assurances of free leave to depart in case they could not
come to an agreement, in consequence of which he came in on
the 19th March (1765) with a body of about 10,000 men.

21st March. — The General had some days before sent
Major Shibbert with the greatest part of the Army towards
Oude, the capital of one of the Provinces about the centre of
Sujah Dowlah's dominions, and himself waited B.B.'s arrival at
Allahabad. After his arrival he left the King with part of the
Army under the command of Sir R. Fletcher, after concerting
with his Majesty in what manner the country ought to be
settled, and taking Mongral Dowlah and Shitabroy with him on
the part of the King to manage the collections, in case not
agreeing with Binny Bahader. He followed the Army with a
small escort, taking Rajah B.B. and his troops along with him.
B.B.'s proposals appeared eligible to the King's ministers and
to the General, but as he had been in such high favour with
Sujah Dowlah, and commanded his Armys against us, the
General thought it reasonable we should have some security of
his future fidelity, and therefore insisted he should place his
Family, which were then at Lucknow, somewhere under our
protection and power, either at Patna or Benares. He at last
seemed to agree to this, and took leave of the General on the
25th on the march, under pretence of bringing his Family from
Lucknow, leaving almost all his troops behind him. But the
fact was, he had private intelligence that Sujah Dowlah having
engaged Rae Mulhar to join him, had laid aside his design of
going on to Delhi, and purposed to make another eflfort to
recover his Dominion, of which the General didn't receive
intelligence till two days after at Oude, when immediately
doubting B.B.'s steadiness, he sent me after him to Lucknow
with a party of Mogul Horse and Sepoys.

I marched all night and next day, reached Derriabad about
40 miles from Oude ; meeting with opposition here, we attacked
and took this Fort. In proceeding on to Lucknow, which
place we reached on the 31st early in the morning, and found
that Binny Bahader . . .

104

SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

[The rest is lost, and no searches in private papers or con-
temporary accounts of India have yet shown me what happened
regarding " Binny Bahader."]

General Carnac wrote on the 27th of May, " Hearing that
Sujah Dowlah was drawing near, I sent Captain Swinton
with Rajah Shitubroy to meet him. He arrived in the
evening, on the opposite side of the river, and immediately
crost it with Brother-in-law, Salar Jung (sic) and a very few
followers, in order to wait upon me. I received him with all
possible marks of distinction, at which he expressed much
satisfaction."

SUJAH DOWLAH.
From a Contemporary Drawing.

Note. — He presented Captain Swinton with his own sword, which is
preserved at Kimmerghame. It bears this inscription : —

"To Archibald Swinton Rustem Jung Bahada Captain in the
East India Company's Service from Shajah Dowlah Nabob
of Oude and Vizier of the Empire of Hindostan.'

He must not be confused with Surajah Dowlah, famed for the "Black
Hole " in Calcutta, who perished, as previously mentioned, in 1757.

and portraits 105

Copy of Letter from General Carnac to the
Honourable John Spencer.

26th Jan. 1765.
"I purpose appointing Captain Swinton my Persian inter-
preter provisionally, till the Board's pleasure is known, and I
request you will procure me the confirmation of that appoint-
ment. I will boldly pronounce there is no person at present in
Bengal so capable of that Employ, he being as well as any,
in the country language, and superior to all, in the knowledge
of the manners of the Natives, and how we are to conduct our-
selves towards them, for which he is peculiarly qualified, by the
mildness and calmness of his temper, besides as we must have
much intercourse with the King, he is fittest of anybody to
be about him, His Majesty being so much pleased with his
behaviour formerly, as to conceive an extreme liking to, and to
have an entire confidence in him."

N.B.—The "King," means Shah Alum the Shah Zadah.

Archibald Swinton left the Company's Service, October,
1765. He writes : —

" In the end of the year, 1765, the Emperour Shah Alum
requested the English Army to conduct him to Delhi, and
assist in placing him on the Throne of his Fathers, but as
Lord Clive could not promise him that, he resolved with
Ld. Clive's approbation to send a letter to the king of Great
Britain to solicit his assistance.

" As I was about to return to Europe, and was well known
to the King of Hindostan, the Vizer Monyr al Dowla requested
me to be the bearer of it. This I mentioned to Lord Clive,

who readily consented, accordingly on the of Dec. 1765,

the letter was delivered to Lord Clive, and the same time put
into my hand by his Lordship. ... He also requested me to
carry a Munshy (Persian Clerk) to Europe with me in case it
should be thought proper to send an answer in the Persian
language.

106 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

"Having obtained Lord Olive's consent, I engaged the
Munshy to go to Europe, Monyr al Dowlah, however, insisted
on paying 2,000 R. (£250) towards his charges."

Captain Swinton, bringing with him the Munshy (and includ-
ing in his baggage the large Indian Jars, the Indian Pictures,
Chinese pictures painted on glass, numberless Ivory, silver,
and crystal handled arms, jewels, Persian books, etc., etc.),
sailed from India, and coming round the Cape landed at
Nantz, where he and "Mr Peacock" remained 16 days, after
which they set out, post, in a carriage for England, leaving the
Munshy and the baggage to proceed by sea to Calais, from
whence they went to Dover.

After three months in London, he went to Oxford, where
he and the Munshy looked at Persian MSS., assisting Sir
William Jones with his great and laborious work on Persian
and Indian MSS., etc. Whilst on board ship, he and the
Munshy had read Kubeelah and Dumnah in Persian together.
From there they proceeded to Scotland, and " alighted at the
bouse of Captain Swinton's father in Edinburgh."

PART IV.

^iJj^^HEN Archibald Swinton came to his Father's house
^i^/( ^^^^^ was living there with their parents two brothers
and three unmarried sisters. Of the sisters, one was
Katherine, who seems to have been deeply attached to him.
She gave him at this time the Bible which came from Lady
Mary Keith, and which had been given to Katherine by
Annie Hope,

Some time later she married Walter Ferguson, a Writer to
the Signet, and her later doings as " Mrs Ferguson " are so
interwoven with the history of her brother's family that they
shall be recorded at their proper dates, now merely giving, for
the sake of clearness, a slight sketch of her movements. She
lived for many years, first with her husband and after as a
widow, in Teviot Row. A quaint picture of this now demolished
street is to be found in Stevenson's " Edinburgh in the Olden
Time." From that house she moved to a farm called Broad
Meadows, adjacent to the Meadow House, in which her nephew
lived in Berwickshire, but finding she disliked the cold and
rigour of the country winter, and the solitary hfe, after being
accustomed to a cheerful circle of friends in Edinburgh, which
was then at its palmiest time of social distinction, she returned
to Edinburgh and settled in a house near to her brother's family
residence — they dwelling at the time in 20 George Street, and
she taking No. 32 George Street, later she moved to 75, where
she lived the remainder of her life.

It will be remarked what extreme aflfection she displays at all
times to her brother Archibald, and his children. Her house
is ever open to him, and she was a second mother to his sons
when living with her and attending school, while their parents

108 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

were at Kimmerghame, Traditions of her bright, cheerful, and
kind ways have been handed down, and the selection of her
letters, later inserted, make one realize also that her turn of
mind resembles ber brother's, never being burdened with heavi-
ness or want of humour. There is a picture of her at Kimmer-
ghame by Nasmyth, depicting her in a white satin gown, large
hat with feathers, feeding a parrot. She was especially fond of
pets, and mentions one time, " The Laird of Broadmeadows has
promised to get me a parrot," and allusions will be noticed to the
birds she tames. '

After his return from India, Archibald Swinton received the
Freedom of the City of Glasgow and of the Burgh of Fortrose,
and later of the Town of Inverness. In 1768 his mother (Mary
Semple) died, as previously recorded.

In 1769 he purchased the estate of Manderston in his native
county, and two years later he added Kimmerghame. When
buying Manderston he received the following letter from Mrs
Home of Manderston, which, being quaint, is here given : —

(In 1772 he had thoughts of returning to India, and received
flattering letters from Lord Clive and General Carnac on the
subject.)

"It is with great reluctance Sir that I take the pen, I
intended to desire Mr Home of Wedderburn to speak to you,
but as he is not come to town, and you leave it soon, am
obliged to plead my cause myself I am persuaded you have
not been informed that it is a constant custom for a purchaser
to make a present to the Gentleman's wife he buys an estate
from, and that night the papers were signed none of us doubted
of its being done. The reason Mr Hay and Mr Grant said
nothing was because they supposed you acquainted before of
the custom, and thought it would be indelicate in them to
mention it. As you. Sir, are reconed very generous I make no
question but I shall find you so by experience. And indeed
there never was an offer made to Mr Home for Manderston but
at the same time a handsome present was mentioned for me,
and it was owing to myself that it was not spoken of the Day

AND POETRAITS 109

of the Roup, for I took it for granted as did every person else.
However I have no fear of its being too late yet, and hope you
will excuse this freedom, an with Mr Home's compts.

" Sir,
"Your most Humble Servt.,

"Janet Drummond.
" Make my best compts. to the Ladies.
"Ed., Feb. 13,1769."

Archibald married in October 1776. The certificate of
marriage is at Kimmerghame, and runs as follows : —

"Edinburgh, 17 October 1776. That Archibald Swinton
Esq. of Manderston, old Gray Friars Parish, and Miss Henrietta
Campbell Eldest daughter of the deceased James Campbell
Esq. of Blytheswood, Parish of St Gilles, are orderly proclaimed
in several churches in the City in order to Marriage and no
objection made why the same should not be solemnised is
certified by John Allan D. W. Session C.V.B."

Her Father was previously Douglas of Mains, but he took
the name of Campbell when he inherited Blytheswood in July
1756, and his daughter Henrietta was born 1757, being thus
nineteen years old when she was married. She seems to have
lived with her mother and unmarried sisters, Grace and Mary,
in Edinburgh. Her elder brother was Archibald Campbell,
frequently mentioned hereafter as "Blytheswood," of whom a
full length portrait hangs at Kimmerghame. Of him the
following anecdote may be of interest : —

One day when Sir Walter Scott was walking through the
streets of Edinburgh, he stopped for a moment in the crowd to
exchange greetings with a portly middle-aged man, and said,
" That was Campbell of Blytheswood, we always shake hands
when we meet, for there is some old cousinred between us."

This relationship took its origin two centuries before, in that
Sir Walter's paternal great-grandfather— Walter Scott, known

110 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

as " Beardie," married a niece of the first Campbell of Blythes-
wood in 1690. He acquired the nickname of "Beardie" from
vowinof not to shave after the Revolution till the return of the
Stuarts. A letter from him to his wife is at Kimmerghame.

After his marriage, Archibald and his wife lived partly at
Kimmerghame and partly at a house in George Square. In
the latter their eldest son John was born in 1777.

From Mrs Cockburne, the well-known authoress of the
lovely song " Flowers of the Forest," comes this letter : —

" Mrs Cockburne sends gratulations to Captain Swinton on
the birth of his son — it was news as important to her as
American Victory. She hopes he is a surer pledge of hope to
all concerned than anything that has yet happened in that
desperate world. She sends a Fairy benediction and bestows
upon him his Father's Fortitude, Generosity and Understanding.
Once more to complete the youth she dips her enchanted wand
in the Waters from whence Venus arose and commands the
Graces to adorn him with the beauty and sweetness of his
Mother. So the charm being performed, nothing remains to
say but — Amen."

"Saturday, 5 o'clock."

In 1779, their eldest daughter Henrietta was born on the
22nd of February in George Square, and two years after, in
eighty-one, a second daughter, Maria. She is registered as born
in Lothian Lodge, Canongate. On the 7th October, 1782, in
St John Street, little Nancy was born. In 1783 John was sent
to a private school near London kept by Mr Dupree. To him
Archibald Swinton writes : — ■

" Sir, Mrs Swinton has this day wrote to Mrs Stables to
request that she will let you know if it will be convenient to
her to receive a visit of my son about the 21st of December
when the vacation begins, and whether she chooses to meet him
in London as she proposed to carry him down in her coach or
have him brought at once to her house at Addiscombe, so you
will be pleased to take no steps about carrying him there till
you hear from her,"

AND PORTRAITS HI

He proceeds to give lengthy directions about sending a
trusty person to take him in the Tring Stage and then the
Croydon stage, and also says "If I rightly recollect your
pupils are about 8 hours a day in summer and 6 in winter in
School, and as my son is very young (he was six) I submit to
your consideration whether he might not have an hour or two
less till he became a little habituated to application." He says,
" You will please allow him sixpence a week," gives messages
to Mrs Dupree from Mrs Swinton about his cloaths. The next
letters are from and to Nice, he and his wife having gone
abroad for the winter.

From the Countess of Marchmont : —

"Hemel, Hampstead,

"18th Oct. 1783.

She says : " I yesterday saw your dear little boy in perfect
good health and spirits. We had a long tete-d-tete wherin he
assured me that he was very happy, and liked being at school
extremely well." From Mr Dupree on 1st November, 1783,
comes a long letter addressed to Nice : " Upon the whole,
good Sir, rest satisfied that my sweet young pupil wants
nothing to make his abode with us comfortable, and that he is
habituated to the rules and orders of the School." At the end
of the letter, in a large shaking baby hand, there is written
" John Swinton," and " he presents his duty to his parents, and
sends them a specimen of his handwriting " (written below by
Mr Dupree).

On 25th November the Countess of Marchmont again writes
a long kind letter describing little John's welfare, whom she has
again visited, and sends her compliments to Mrs Swinton and
to Miss Campbell (her sister) who went abroad with them.

On 4th January, 1784, Lady Elizabeth Gavin writes from
Langton ..." This is the severest storm here just now that
ever was known, the snow is full six feet deep just at the door
here, no horse can even go betwixt this and Dunse. This is about
the time we should have gone to Edinburgh, but there is no
stirring. I have not seen your children these three weeks, but

112 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

have always heard of them somehow or other." (These were
the younger children left at Kimmerghame). " They are in
perfect health. . . . Colonel Dundas is just about to be married
to Lady Eleanor Home. ... I cannot get to the Hirsel for the
snow. . . . Lady Hannah has just been to see your children
in spite of the snow. I did not think it possible when she set
out, she walked the half of the way and rode the rest, they are
in perfect health, and Nancy has cut four teeth since I saw her."

On 6th January, 1784, Archibald Swinton writes to Mr
Dupree a long letter of cordial thanks, and expressing much
satisfaction regarding John's treatment, progress and well-
being, says — "He longs much to receive little John's letter
which he hoped to be able to write himself at Christmas,"
and says, they will probably return before they could receive
another letter, as the last one took six weeks in coming.

The Countess of Marchmont again visits John at his
school in January, and writes an account to his parents of
" The little man."

On February 17th, Lady Lindsay, living at Nice, writes a
farewell letter in the third person, wishing Mr and Mrs Swinton
and Miss Campbell a good journey, and "is extremely sorry
they are going."

A year after they return to Kimmerghame, their son
James was born in May 1785. Some time in 1787, or possibly
early in 1788, the large family group by Nasmyth was painted,
which hangs on the staircase at Kimmerghame. The scene is
depicted on the banks of the Blackadder, and the group consist
of the father and mother, Archibald Swinton and his wife, and
their son John leaning on a pony, and their three eldest
daughters, Harriet, Maria, and Nancy (the latter so soon lost)
and baby James holding his mother's hand.

" On 20th November, 1787, the youngest daughter, Elizabeth
Catherine, was born in George Square. At this time John is
at School in Edinburgh, and when his parents returned to
Kimmerghame in 1786, there begins a series of letters from
Archibald Swinton to his son John, which continue without a
break until the death of the writer.

AND PORTRAITS 113

From a very large number the following have been selected
as being the most characteristic, and as being descriptive of
details in the home life of the Family.

No. 6 Park Place,
St James Street.

27th February 1788.

My Dear Jack,

I am very sorry to hear that you have
caught cold since I left Edinburgh, but I hope that the ass
milk with proper care and attention and a little more Physick
will soon make you quite well again. Don't be impatient to
get to school till you are quite recovered — you will then easily
make up your lost time. You will be glad to hear that Silver
tail and Gipsy behaved so well on the journey. They never
made a false step the whole way. I went only to Cornhill 9
miles on Thursday, from whence I reached London in eight
days, at the rate of 43 miles every day without any inter-
mission having arrived in London on a Friday the 22nd at 3
o'clock. I hope Harriet, Maria and Nancy (if she has also
taken the measles) have all got well again, give my kind love
to them, and tell them that I have this very day bespoke three
dolls of different ages correspondent to that of the Ladies for
whom they are intended, and that they will come along with
me. There are no more volumes of Sandford and Merton
published yet. Let me know what I shall bring you — would
you like another box of paints, like that you gave to Harriet or
what else ? I keep your letter to Mr Dupre till I can go there
myself, which I will certainly do before I return — I sent two
tickets for Mr Hastings trial to Harriet and you in your
Mama's last letter and will endeavour to send two more for
Maria and Nancy in this. I desire you will give my best
Compts. to dear little James, and bid him not forget his Papa,
you may likewise give Catharine a kiss for me, tho' she does
not know me yet.

The Miss Stables's and Mr John all enquired most kindly
for you and desired their compliments ; they are all much grown,
H

114 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

SO is little Edward. Be sure to write to me soon, send your
Compts. to them, and let me know how you are, and what you
are doing.

I am.

My Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SWINTON.
Saturday morning,
1st March 1788.

The above was wrote three days ago but I detained it to
accompany a letter I had begun to your Mamma.

My Dear Jack,

I shall be glad to hear particularly how
you go on at school, and hope you have not been very un-
successful in Mr Menzies's absence.

Your Mama and the children are all well, and desire to be
kindly remembered to you. The rabbits have eight young ones
of two litter, all thriving. Jackdaw is very tame and . . .
in good health. Foxy was delighted to see us, but ran search-
ing about for some time as if looking for you, I told him you
would be out in two months at which he wagged bis tail and
seemed satisfied. Some days ago he brought several eggs one
by one in his mouth and laid them at Jean Currie's feet with-
out breaking any of them ; when he went back for more and was
followed it appeared he had found a partridge's nest in the
garden, and was bringing home all the eggs which no doubt he
thought a meritorious action. The eggs are put under a hen,
but it is a question if they will come forth. Tom is very sulky,
but Stumpy went out with me yesterday and caught a fine hare
by himself, which you will present with my respects to your
Grandmamma and kind Compts. to your Uncle and Aunts.
I am,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

AND PORTRAITS 115

Kimmerghame, 29th June 1788.

Dear John,

I last night received yours of tbe 27th and
am happy to hear such good Accounts of your conduct in every
respect from Mr and Mrs Ferguson. I hope your cold will
soon be so well as to let you go to school again, but would not
by any means wish you to go till you be well. Nancy is now a
great deal better and quite out of any danger, and Harriet and
Maria getting better daily. James and Catharine in perfect
health. As you expressed a wish to have another little dog in
place of Foxey I have been looking out every where since I
came to the country and have at last been lucky enough to
meet with a very pretty one, and which I am persuaded you
will like because he is actually a son of Foxey. He belonged
to Edmund Dods' son at the waterside who readily parted with
him ; and he has now got Foxey 's Collar about his neck and
seems happy here, tho' he came home only last night. His
present name is Captain, which shall be either continued or
changed as you think proper.

Time will not permit me to write to Mr and Mrs Ferguson,
tell them I have received their letter and am fully sensible of
their kindness. Mrs Swinton and Miss Campbell desire their
compliments, all the children often speak of them, not excepting
James. Harriet I believe writes to you by this post. Miss
Maclean is very well and desires to be remembered to you.
George Buchan answered your letter, addressed to my house in
George's Square. Let it be enquired for at the Post Office, if it
has not reached you. Your Mama is well, she received your
letter and sends her love to you, but will probably write herself
either this day or by the carrier.

I am,

Dear John,

Your Affecte. Father,

A. Swinton.

116

SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I have not yet fixed a day for setting out for Buxton.

Tell Mrs Ferguson to give you a crown to pay for postage
of letters, etc., as I am glad to see you are grown a great
correspondent, and you may keep an account of the disposal of
it if you please, it will accustom you to exactness.

Little Nancy died of the measles on 29th July 1788. A
little tiny packet of her hair is at Kimmerghame, and her
Father wrote on it, " Alas at Kim, between 12 and 1 at night,"
and the date of her death. She was buried at Swinton, in the
family burial ground, and a tablet to her memory was put up
in Edrom Church by her brother in his old age.

Door lo Xttmlli^ Grail era
in ^\M\ulon G\uirc\\

The next seven or eight letters are about school matters, and
telling how the pets are at Kimmerghame, etc.

On the 20th January 1791, in George Square, the youngest
son and child was born, and christened Samuel Robert Archibald.
At first his family call hira little Robert, and later Archy.

AND PORTRAITS 117

In April of that year Archibald Swinton set out riding for
London, and returned in May. He writes : —

Kim., Tuesday, 13th Deer. 1791.
To John, Harriet & Maria.
My Dear Children,

I am sorry to inform you that all the skilful
people here are of opinion that it would be very hurtful to your
horses to be taken in at this time, and let out again in a few
weeks, as they are expected to reap great benefit by running
out thro' the winter, and are thriving vastly well upon it at
present having a shed to retire to in a storm. This being the
case I am convinced that your own good sense and good disposi-
tions will readily reconcile you to the disappointment. No doubt
I might have foreseen this objection when I proposed bringing
them to town ; but I had hastily overlooked it and some others,
which had probably occurred to your Mama, as she did not seem
to enter so heartily into the scheme, who you know is always
equally desirous with me to indulge you in everything proper
and convenient for your improvement or innocent amusement.

I have the pleasure to inform you that all your favourites
are well. Stumpy, Silph, Cato and the birds. Also James
and Catherine's Peacocks, etc. Silph was very happy to see
me and lies constantly at my feet. The only creatures that
have been unfortunate here are the poor swans, one of them was
amissing yesterday, and the other was killed last night at the
back of George Fife's house by a Fox as it is supposed, but not
our friend Foxy — for if he had been so near the house, he
certainly would have made his appearance, besides it is said
that two foxes have lately been seen near Whitelaw, and that
Mr Tod has lost one or two sheep.

Adieu my dear Children, and may God ever preserve you
innocent and virtuous as at present is the earnest prayer of,
Your affectionate Father,

A. Swinton.

Give my Compts. to Miss Hasker, and pray let me hear
from some of you by the Carrier.

118 swinton family records

My Dear John,

I know it will give you pleasure to hear that
I made out my journey very agreeably on Saturday, the
young horse does not seem to have suffered from the prick in
his foot, I have given him however two day's rest. Hotspur
and Gipsy are thriving remarkably, so is Katy's foal, with all the
Dogs, Birds, Peacocks, Goats, etc. Stumpy and Sylph seem
particularly happy at my arrival, tho' they have no appearance
of hunger about them, the others do not come in to the house.
I hope the college goes on well, and that neither you nor James
have had any returns of your headaches or toothaches. Give
my love to Harriet, Maria, James and Catherine, and a kiss to
Robert, and believe me always

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

Kimmerghame,

7th Feby. 1792.

I am very busy drying the books in tbe Library (which were
beginning to suffer from the damp), and contriving a fire place
in it, the last three lines are written in the dark.

Kimmerghame, Friday, 17th Feby. 1792.

My Dear John,

I hope to hear by the Carrier's letters
that you are going on briskly with the French as well as the
College, tho' it will certainly require your utmost exertion to
keep up with Davidson and M'Kenzie, as I suppose they are
both farther advanced in the French grammar than you, but I
trust that your industry and emulation aided by a good memory
will soon enable you to overtake them, but while I am recom-
mending application to your studies, at this precious period of
your life (never to be recalled, if now let slip) I do not mean to
forbid a proper share of amusement and exercise, on the con-
trary I rather think you in more danger of neglecting that
than your studies and sometimes perhaps (of which all men
are but too guilty) of suffering time to pass away altogether
unemployed. I wish you to be in the open air walking or

AND PORTRAITS 119

diverting yourself with your companions about two hours daily,
when the weather will permit, besides the greatest part of
Saturday, and some amusement in the house during part of the
evenings. To accomplish this, without encroaching upon the
hours of study, I would recommend to you now that the days
are grown longer, to rise about six in the morning and to allot
certain hours in the day for each particular purpose, to be
adhered to as much as possible. You are so much a lover of
order and method that you have several times requested me to
do this for you, and accordingly you know it was in some
degree followed in the country. I wish you now yourself to
consider and set down in writing how you think your hours can
be most conveniently and advantageously employed, and you
shall have my advice upon it, when I come to town, which as I
wrote to your Mama, I am afraid will not be before Saturday
the 25th or perhaps Monday after, as I wish to see Geo. Fife's
Accounts somewhat brought up, and it will take that time to do
so. If a very good Play should be acted in that time, you may
ask your Mamma's permission to see it, with or without your
sisters, as she shall think proper, or perhaps she will choose to
go with you all herself. I have no blank tickets here for the
George's Square Assembly, which I believe happens next
Tuesday. I must therefore desire you to fill up the blanks and
subscribe my name to a couple, and give them to your Mamma.
The weather here has been most delightful, but I have been
very little on horseback, my principal amusement has been
about the library, and superintending the planting and trans-
planting some trees. Thompson (who behaved very well) has
been out several times with Stumpy, he is also an excellent
Fisher and will be able to give you a lesson in that art in the
summer. Tell Harriet and Maria that notwithstanding Nancy's*
extraordinary care of them every one of the twenty birds they
left here are (not dead but) in perfect health, excepting that
one of the young grey canaries bred here, had the misfortune
about ten days ago to get its leg broke and the foot tore almost

* The maid, Nancy Hope.

120 SWINTON FAMILY BECORDS

entirely off (by the claw of a hawk thro' the wire, as it is
supposed). I immediately performed the operation of amputa-
tion, and to all appearance with good success, as the poor little
creature hitherto seemed very hearty and hops and flies among
the rest.

Castor and the colt narrowly escaped destroying themselves
yesterday having somehow got out of Rob Spence's hand and
run away with the plow, which kept tossing and springing up
in the air, every moment in danger of goring them, while they
galopt and dragged it after them a considerable way, till they
were entangled by a tree, and the colt thrown down, this
George Fife was an eye witness of at some distance, and
expected nothing less than that they would both be killed, yet
neither of them are materially hurt. You may tell your Mama
that I think it would be right to send out John Simpson to
take care of them and help to bring them in even tho' they
should not be fit to go till I come to town, as he will be of use
here, and is doing nothing where he is. He must be desired to
take his own time in coming out as I am told he has some
uneasiness in his feet, or as Thompson terms it, has not good
feet, which I did not know before, and accounts for his
making a difficulty about walking, so unlike what might
have been expected from a man so sensible and diligent as
he usually is.

I am.

My dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

I shall expect a letter by Tuesday's post from you or
Harriet either by John Simpson or, if he does not come out,
by the Tuesday's Post, and will be glad to know how the
Thorough Bass goes on, and if any of you want anything
from hence. Your letter must be sent to Post on Monday before
3 o'clock.

and portraits 121

My Dear John,

I wrote to your Mama on Friday from
Northallerton giving an Acco. of the first part of my Journey ;
the remainder has been still more agreeable as the weather was
better, aud I reached this place yesterday morning, where I
had the pleasure of receiving your letter of the 12th full of
satisfactory information. I observe with pleasure that you have
not lost any time in executing the different points I had recom-
mended to you.

Every Room in this Place is full of Company, some of them
of the first Rank and Fashion, the Duchess of Rutland, the
young Duke & his Brot. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir
John Eden & family, etc., etc. I have only met with three of
my acquaintance — Mr Saml. Mitchelson, Writer to the Signet,
Doctor Peter Russell, and General Richd. Smith, who is here
with his Daur. He and I are acquaintances of forty years'
standing, having arrived in India I believe in the same week.
I board at the St Ann's Hotel, and have got a good quiet bed-
chamber, adjoining to the Crescent, with a promise of the first
Vacancy there. I bathed yesterday within an hour after my
arrival, and mean to do so daily if it continue to agree with me,
which I have great hopes it will.

My Love to your Mamma, Harriet and Maria, James,
Catharine and Robert jointly and individually, with kind
Compts. to Miss Hasker and good wishes to all.

My dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SWINTON.
Buxton, 18th Septr., 1792.

(13 Oct. 1794.)
Buxton, Sunday ^ past 7 a.

Dear John,

I got here yesterday between 3 & 4 in time to
take a Dip before dinner, and have already been the first in the
Bath this morning, while I suppose it not impossible that a

122 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

certain person may be still in bed, since I left Kim. I have
been daily up before six, and found both pleasure and benefit
from it. Vei'huTn sapienti.

All the Horses held out well, altho' Pollux's breast was very
much galled by the Collar to which he had not for some time
been accustomed, yet he drew the Carriage up the most horrible
steep hills, as if nothing had been the matter with him, to the
great admiration of John Simpson.

I was agreeably surprised on my arrival to find your letter
here before me, in answer to mine from Rutherford, which tho'
wrote over night would not leave that place till Wednesday
morning between ten & eleven, which I know precisely by
having met the Mail and mention only to prove how expedi-
tiously that business is carried on. It was very attentive and
well judged to write about John Simpson's wife which gave him
great satisfaction.

I have seen nobody here that I know but Sir John and
Lady Clerk and his uncle Mr John Clerk (I believe of Mavis-
bank) with his family. I say no more, in order to save this
morning's Post but am afraid it is already too late.

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

My Dear John,

I have reed, your of the 18th and Harriets of
the 21st and approve much of James and you passing your
Christmas at Kim., & your taking Mr Steuart with you to Dunse
Castle. I hope you will prevail on him to pass part of his time
at Kim. My Brother is considerably better — I am just going
to Chertsy for 4 days. The Chaise is at the Door and a

Gentn. waiting which hurries me, but there being no Post to-
morrow— I write to desire that you will send me as soon as
possible by a Berwick smack, twelve Shirts — a pair of cotton
sheets — the little Shawl cap for keeping my Stump warm, it is
in one of the little Drawers in my Room Window. " The Oriental

AND PORTRAITS 123

Repository," — " Oriental (Asiatick) Researches," Vol. 1st.
"Davies's Poems on the Immort. of the Soul," and "On Dancing"
a small Duodecmo, the new Edition, within these 20 years or
less, the 13th Vol. of the "Statutes at Large," the last Vol. of
the "Monthly Review," and the last Vol. of the "Parly.
Register," with a single number of the same well packed up in a
packing box.

I have time for no more.

Yours, etc.,

A. S.
25th Deer. 1794.

From Buxton he went on to London, and writes from Sloane
Street in January telling of the severe frost, and that " bands of
gardeners, fishermen and bargemen, are in the streets, who's cries
resound to the innermost recesses of every house, but no violence
or riot."

"Sloane Street,
" Sunday, 28th Dec. 1794.

My Dear John,

" I have got almost entirely free of a very severe
but salutary cold, by no other remedy but 3 pair of stockings,
2 pr. of flannel drawers and 5 waistcoats, besides my bosom
friend attached to ray arm, notwithstanding all which one great
obstacle to my sitting down to write letters is — the coldness of
the houses here, the rooms being very small and consequently
the doors and windows very near you, sit where you will. . . .
You will be pleased to hear that I have opened my heart and
hand at a sale of some beautiful books of prints also con-

tinue Lavater

I have dined with a club of Cognocenti's, Dilettanti's, con-
noisseurs and Amateurs, the Prime spirits of the age and am
honoured with an invitation to dine at their club once a fort-
night, the whole year round."

124 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Kimmerghame, 10th July 1795.

My Dear John,

I find by a very kind letter from Lady Elisabeth
to your Mother, you are such a Favourite at Newton-Don that
they wish you to stay a few days longer than was proposed.
You know this is not very convenient as you have not only
your own Studies to pursue, but the Tuition of James upon your
shoulders, yet I cannot refuse my consent to a Request so
flattering to you, and at the same time so agreeable to your
Mama and me, in affording you the opportunity of cultivating
the Acquaintance of a youth so amiable and accomplished as
Alexander Don,* which I know must also be highly gratifying
to yourself; therefore we shall not expect to see you till Tuesday
or Wednesday at farthest, and hope Sir Alexr. and Lady Harriet
will have no objection to your friend Alexander's passing a week
or two with you here, either now, or when it may be most
convenient to him, before his return to England ; when they
may be assured of our best endeavours to amuse him, to which
the change of scene may perhaps help to contribute. If there
are any books he wishes to read, which are not here, he ce.n
bring them with him.

I send your Horse by Sir Alexr's. Servt., his back being now
thought to be pretty sound. If you don't wish to keep him in
the House, you can turn him out to grass. Your Mother sends
you some Linnen. Niel will be sent to Newton-Don early on
Wedy. morning.

I am,

My Dear John,

Your Affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

Aug. 1795.
My Dear John,

Your letter of the 31st from Falkirk
came to hand by Sunday's Post, and was a most agreeable

* An account of him may be found in Sir W. Scott's Journal, vol. I.,
pp. 175, 77 and 79.

AND PORTRAITS 125

surprise upon us, as we did not expect to hear from you so
soon. We are happy to learn that the first day of your expedi-
tion has proved so agreeable, and hope the remainder will be
no less so.

We had a good deal of rain on Saturday and Sunday, but
yesterday and this day have been charming,

I did not leave Edin. till 4 o'clock on Friday, slept at
Channel Kirk, and got here on Saturday to dinner after spend-
ing about 5 hours in measuring the Road from Greenlaw (etc.),
which is just 8 miles (by Bogend) to the top of the Greenknow
Lane.

Your Mother and all the Family are in good health and
desire to be kindly remembered to you. Robert has got quite
stout again. — Hotspur is in high spirits, he was led with great
ease, and without the least accident.

James desires me to thank you for the excellent Bow and
six arrows which I carried to him from you.

I hope you have met with Messrs Stuart & Napier, who
will make an agreeable addition to your Party.

My best Compts. and good wishes to all of them.

There was no Post from hence yesterday, but I trust that
this will get to Inverary before you leave it, tho' I suppose you
will travel rather faster than your Note announced.

I shall write again to be left at the Post Office at Perth.
We shall expect to hear from you soon by a few lines to your
Mother, or some of the Children.

I am,

Your affecte. Father,

A. SWINTON.

16 Nov. 1795.

My Dear John,

According to promise I sit down to
inform you that your Mother reached Kimm. in good health on
Saturday Evening about six o'clock ; as I did last night before
five.

126 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I hired a saddle horse for Nick from Blackshiels to Green-
law, where I resigned Percy to him, and took a chaise for
myself as you advised. Hotspur being led all the way, got
home in good spirits.

Robert has supported the loss of Ann with surprising forti-
tude ; when he went to bed the first night he said to Nancy
Hope " I wish you were Ann." The Hair that hung over his
forehead has been shortened this morning, without any detri-
ment to his looks. Have you got yours trimmed ?

I shall be anxious to hear how you like Dick's Lectures,
and whether you have thought it advisable to take the assist-
ance of Mr Wright.

I am.

My dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

My affecte. Compts. to Mr & Mrs Ferguson and to James.
I send this with Adam's Antiquities by the hands of Duncan
Cameron, and the 6th and 10th Vols, of Rollin for James.

Niel Campbell sets off to-morrow morning with his intended
Bride for East Lothian to be married at his Mother's, on a
leave of absence till Friday.

My Dear John,

After a storm comes a calm. Quietness
and silence now reign here. The huge Mountain of Nursery
bedding has been unript and taken to pieces to afford it a
passage thro' the Doors. The Baggage Waggons are at last
loaded and dispatched after several unforeseen diflficulties and
interruptions, their covers having been left at Cairnyhill, etc.,
etc., etc.

Lastly an Armistice has been established which I hope but
dare hardly flatter myself that it will be religiously adhered to,

AND PORTRAITS 127

for forty-eight hours, between Jelly Pots, yetlia* Kittles,
Guittarres, Deers horns, golf clubs, smoothing irons and maids'
looking glasses, which notwithstanding former malheurs and
double sets provided in consequence thereof, for Town and
Country, are said to have been packed up on this occasion,
without hands, no doubt. Mr Abernethy desires to offer his
best Comps. to Miss Swinton, and begs she will send the key of
the Piano Forte, which is locked — apropos of keys the key of
your Band box is just now found in the high corridore.

Adieu in haste.

Yours etc., A. S.

Wonderful to relate, after all the heavy carriages were past
a large and deep chasm suddenly appeared in the very track
that one of the coach wheels had past over. Opposite to the
dining room window. This is a real fact.

[No date.]

(23rd March 1797.)

My Dear John,

I have the pleasure to inform you that your offer of
Service either in the Cavalry or Infantry was cordially accepted
by Mr Hay,and that with his approbation and authority as Deputy
Lieut., I yesterday enrolled 15 Volunteers on Kimmerghame
Estate including myself and you, and expect to get a good
many more. The Sheriff being present set down his name
also, by way of example, tho' he means himself to commence
an Enrolment on the Swinton Estate, which is in Mr Waite's
District. This business will not only prevent my attending the
last meeting of the India Club (which I regret much, and
which regrets you will communicate to-morrow morning, with
my Compts. and enquiries after his health, to Captn. Hunter) ;
but I am afraid may also prevent my return to meet our
Compy. on Tuesday, as I understand the Lord Lieut, is to
summon a Meeting of the Committee on Wedy., which added

* A term then in use, meaning cast-iron. See Jamieson's Dictionary.

128 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

to the enrolling business, not to be neglected while the Iron is
hot, may probably detain us, but I will write with more certainty
to your Mother by Saturday or Sunday's Post. I hope to hear
from her by this day's Post, being anxious to know how my
dear little Robert is.

James's Horace is certainly flown up to the Moon, or else it
existed only in his imagination, for there is no such book either
in the Catalogue or the Library.

With best love to you all, /

I remain.

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.
Thursday Morning,

23rd March 1797.

My Dear John,

Missy and Hotspur desire to offer their respectful
Compts. to Robert and James, and hope you will not take it
amiss, that they are happy at their exchange of masters which
has relieved each of them of a load that lay heavy on their
minds and shoulders. Sparkler and all the other Cavalry, etc.,
are in good health. Palmer shall not be forgot. My love to
Harriet, Maria, & Kate.

I am.

Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.
Mt. Pleasant, .

11th April 1797.

My Dear Harriet,

Tuesday morning, 23rd May, 1797.

I have the Pleasure to tell you
that Miss Home and I made out our Journey most successfully.
We got to Smeaton just as Miss Buchan and the Laird were

AND PORTRAITS 129

sitting down to breakfast, and before Lady Smeaton's arrival in
the Parlour, and were as usual most kindly received. After a
hearty breakfast there, and 1^ hours' rest at Cockburn's path,
we reached Broomhouse before six o'clock. Mrs Home was
overjoyed to receive her truly deserving daughter in good
health, and overflowed with sincere gratitude to you for your
attention to her.

On my arrival at Kimmergham I found everything in good
order and John Fairbairn ready to receive me. I am very
much pleased with his manner in everything, in particular I am
most agreeably disappointed in finding him a remarkably easy
shaver, which is a matter of more comfort to me than you can
easily conceive. But how can I talk or think of such trifles,
before I mention the fate of poor Sparkler, whom we all had
such a Regard for, and whom poor Harriet and Maria in a
manner doated upon, as a man may say, and promised them-
selves (alas !) so much pleasure from riding her many years.

I am unluckily interrupted by George Fyfe and a Butcher,
but will give you the interesting Detail at full length as soon
as I can get rid of them.

Dear John,

I am so beset with business of various kinds
here and just setting out for Swinton hill, that I can only write
the needful, and that in the most Laconic style.

George Brown having not cast up, I set out yesterday at 2
o'clock by myself on Percy for NewmilJs in quest of him, and
met him near Paxton coming in great haste to Kimm, my
Letter having only reached him an hour before. He received
my Proposals with heartfelt pleasure, and instantly entered into
office, by accompanying me to Berwick in quest of a brick-
maker (for a few bricks to mend the oven) and to Paxton in
quest of your Mother's Alderney, which was unfortunately sold
to a Butcher for a trifle (on Monday the 8tb), which Mrs Home
could never get any Acco'ts of, not being over and above active,
or fertile in expedients, and having contented herself with
I

130 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

writing a Letter to Mr Logan which he never answered. George
has taken a house for his family at Paxton, and is to come
home here to-morrow evening. I had previously prepared
John Fairbairn, who was perfectly contented to remain as my
servant, whoever might be butler ; and is now very much
pleased to hear that George Brown is to be the Person. Palmer
is going on most successfully with the two young horses, but as
to poor Sparkler, how shall I find words to express my Grief! —
joy I mean — on finding her as perfectly recovered as if nothing
had ever ailed her.

I flatter myself that Harriet and Maria will in some degree
partake of my satisfaction on this occasion. Hotspur and
Missy are both in perfect health. I have not yet had an oppor-
tunity of enquiring after the fSaa-LXevs ittttcov but will not neglect
him before I leave the Country. I am sorry I was in so frugal
a mood when I gave you the Commissions for Willison's Sale,
as I fear you will have got nothing, if you adhered to the very
low prices I put on them. I have many more things to say,
but must break of by assuring you that I ever am,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

P.S. — To Mrs Swinton. Mrs Anderson had packed the
box of Glass & China so carefully and skilfully that not one
article was broke or cracked. I have returned all the boxes
with John's Trunk, and another chest from the store house
empty for Books, etc., the key shall be sent by Boston.

22nd July 1797.

My Dear John,

I have settled all my business here,
and wished to have set out this morning, but have agreed to
delay it till to-morrow forenoon in order to have the pleasure
of Mr Buchan's company. We propose to dine and sleep
to-morrow at Smeaton, and go to Berwickshire on Monday
morning. I expect to be at Kimmerghame to dinner, and will

AND PORTEAITS 131

ask Mr Buchan, but perhaps he may wish to be set down at
Kelloe. Desire your Mama to wait for us no longer than five
o'clock. Miss Buchan was taken ill immediately on her arrival
in town, and is obliged to be left behind, but both she and
Elisabeth are better, as you may suppose by Mr B.'s coming
out. Mr Hepburn went to Swinton yesterday with his daughter
and is to dine at Kimm. on Tuesday. I have desired him to
ask Mr and Mrs Sher^- Swinton, etc. Lord Swinton with his
son goes to Swinton house on Thursday, he has wrote to Major
Carnegie to come to Kimm. on Thursday night, and to go
forward to Swinton House on Friday morning ; probably on
Account of their not having a bed for him.

Mr and Mrs Davidson & family are all well. I dined with
them on Thursday, at the Dean * yesterday, and with Mrs
Ferguson to-day, whose house has been my head quarters thro'
the day as I only slept at George's Square. Tell Margaret and
Betsy Davidson that I have great occasion for two Kisses,
which I beg they will be so good as to lend me, and I hereby
promise to repay them with interest and many thanks as soon
as I return home.

I am,

Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

Borrowbridge,

Tuesday, 8th Aug. 1797.

12 at night.

My Dear John,

You would perhaps observe that I was
a little indisposed when I left Kimm., as that continued to
hang about me I did not set out from Belford till near 12

* Lord Swinton lived at Dean House, Edinburgh, which stood where
the west end of Buckingham Terrace now is. It was then absolutely in the
country.

132 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

o'clock, reached Morpeth, 30 miles, about 7, and spent two
hours in bestowing a bitter Phillippic upon Rastrick.

Being still a little indisposed I staid all next day at
Morpeth, but am now quite well, by the help of soluble Tartar
and Magnesia, On Monday I executed some business at New-
castle, got my Brother's Snuff box at Durham, and proceeded to
Rusheyford, 39 miles, which place you will remember. This
day I breakfasted at Darlington, dined with Mr Walker at
Northallerton, where I had the pleasure to find him and Mrs
Walker, with five of their six daughters and one of their eight
sons, all in good health, and was most kindly received.

I had also the pleasure to meet at the Inn with Lady
Christian and the two Miss Erskines, and Mr Hay's two sons,
who came running out to welcome me as I alighted from my
horse, having seen me from the window. Lady Christian was
so good as to take charge of carrying down the two first
volumes of Lady Betty Gavine's Book, which has entertained
and interested me very much. I was shedding tears plentifully
over the third volume, when I was suddenly stopt on the high-
way by Archie and Mrs Hepburn, whom you will probably see
almost as soon as this. They propose to be at Swinton on
Thursday, as they meant to sleep this night at Northallerton.
I have come 44 miles to-day with ease, having got here between
8 and 9. If I get to Doncaster to-morrow, about 44 miles also,
I may perhaps reach Buxton on Thursday, but more probably
on Friday morning, as the last two stages are very hilly. I
have wrote to my Brother from hence. It rained very much
last night, but I have had little or no rain thro' the day during
the whole way. The corn does not appear a bit riper all the
way than in Berwickshire except near this place. I long much
to hear how you all are.

And am,

My dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

AND PORTRAITS 133

Kim., 23rd April 1798.

Private.

My Dear John,

I have the pleasure to tell you that we all here in
excellent health, busily preparing for our Company on the 1st
of May. On Monday last I sat up till two in the morning, and
with Geo, Brown's assistance wrote 78 cards. I still stand in
much need of your help, and hope you will certainly get home
on Friday or Saturday.

If James be in perfect health and wishes to come, you may
bring him along with you, it will be an agreeable surprise upon
his Mother and sisters. I am afraid it will not be in my
power to send his horse for him, every person here being at
present so much occupyed, but you can take a place for him
in the Fl}' to Greenlaw. As soon as you get this write me
by Post what you may have determined. I wish you could
prevail on Tytler, Davidson and Forbes to pay us a visit on this
occasion.

Your Horse has had powerful Physick, been rode out a little
every day and carefully looked after, one of his hind legs was
swelled a good deal yesterday, in spite of which he was more
unruly than ever. In short, he stands in need of a thorough
breaking.

I am,

Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SWINTON.

p. 5. — Consult with Mrs Fergusson, and likewise consider whether
James will lose anything material at his classes by four or five days
absence before you determine for or against his coming — if the last, per-
haps the scheme needn't be mentioned, as his disappointment might not
be agreeable.

134

SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Dinner Party at Kimraerghame to the Corps of Berwickshire
Yeomanry Cavalry, May 1st, 1798.

Gentlemen.

iMdies.

Family.

Lord Home.

Miss Buchan.

Mrs Swinton.

Major Buchan.

Miss E. Buchan.

Mr

Captain Home.

Miss Ross.

J.

Mr Lumsdaine.

Miss E. Home.

H.

Mr Tytler.

Mrs Watherston.

M.

Mr A. Don.

Lady E. Gavine.

James ,,

Mr Logan of Edrom.

Miss Gavine.

Etc., etc.

Mrs C. Ross.
Mrs Swinton.

95 h

Kimm., 20th July 1798.

My Dear John,

I need not say how happy your letter made us all,
we had some hopes of finding you at Kimmergham on our
return from Foulden, but were amply recompensed for the dis-
appointment by the contents of your letter, and will now wait
with patience till you can be spared.

I think it a fortunate circumstance in the meantime that
you are appointed to Lord Home's Company, as it gives you a
greater Charge, and more opportunity of accomplishing yourself
as an officer, tho' of course it will require a closer attendance.
I understand he has exprest his good opinion of you to Charles
Bailey, and have no doubt you will endeavour to confirm it by
your attention to Military duty, and the care of his Company.

I enclose a letter to the Duke, which you may either deliver
or not as you think proper. I am not pleased with it.

I am,

My Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

and portraits 185

My Dear John,

I have past my time so agreeably, and met with
so many invitations since my arrival here, that it is with
difficulty that I can get away. However, I propose (unless
something very urgent should intervene) to be with you on
Sunday about 11 or 12 o'clock on my way to Edinburgh, where
I have business with Archie Swinton,* but this need not detain
you at Dalkeith, in case you have any other engagement, as it
is only four miles out of my way, and will put me to no incon-
venience. If you are not otherwise engaged perhaps you will
be able to accompany me to Edinburgh, and can return to
Dalkeith in the evening if needful on Percy, whom you
may again keep there till I go home, which will probably
not be till Saturday the 11th, as the day of the examination
will be so near at hand before my business in town is
finished, I shall probably be tempted to stay for it, and by
that time hope you will be able to get leave of absence for
a few days, so that we may all go together on Saturday,
and perhaps Lord Swinton and his Daughter will also be of
the Party.

I am,

My Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

Smeaton,
Friday, 3rd August 1798.

I dined yesterday at Mr Nisbet of Dirleton's, and am to
dine to-day at Tinningham and to-morrow at Capt. Tod's.

On August 7th, 1798, Archibald Swinton attends the trial
of Glengarry in Edinburgh. He says :— " G. would not have
got off if he had not been able to prove he offered a faint
apology to his Adversary " [whom he killed in a duel].

* This Archie Swinton was a W.S., living in Queen Street, and son of
Lord Swinton.

136 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

August 16th, 1798.
He has Lord Swinton staying with him " in great health and
spirits. He and Bell, with our Harriet, are gone this day to
Paxton, and to-morrow he and I breakfast at Ayton and dine
with the rest of the family and a great party at Manderston."

Kimm., Tuesday, 4th Sept. 1798.

My Dear John,

I have of late been so much occupied with various
matters that I have not found time to give you the small news
of this place, such as the various visits we have paid and re-
ceived, the arrival and departure of Lord Swinton and his Dau.
Bell, & Robert Hepburn, — the arrival of Mirza Mohammed
Moonshee & Geo. Swinton on Thursday last to stay about a
fortnight, and the unexpected arrival this day of Mr Stavely the
Painter, in compliance with a Memento from him, of his last year's
engagement to draw a family group of James, Catherine &
Robert. So you see the Summerhouse will be fully occupied.*

As I know Harriet & Maria hold a correspondence with you
as well as your Mother, I trust you have all these important
circumstances fully detailed to you with their concomitant
anecdotes and suitable remarks & observations, not forgetting
the miraculous child we saw at Ayton (Miss Blair). The
principal purport of this is to tell you that I have it in con-
templation to give an entertainment and sort of Ball in com-
memoration of your 21st birthday on Friday the 21st — 22nd of
this month. I would therefore wish you not to ask leave to
come here before that time. I have this moment, while writing
the above, received yours of the 3rd — have no time to remark
on it, being full late for a meeting at Dunse. You have
not acknowd. the receipt of some Pears, nor have we got the
Basket. Adieu in haste.

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

I grieve for the gallant Nelson and the good Sir William
Forbes.

* This drawing hangs at Kimmerghame, and a copy at Glenardoch.

AND PORTRAITS 137

7th October 1798.

"Immediately on parting with you, on my return to
Dalkeith, I heard the joyful news of the gallant Nelson's
glorious Victory, the importance of which is beyond all
calculation/'

This alludes to the Battle of the Nile, sometimes called
"Aboukir," which took place on August 1st.

George's Square, Satr. Evg.,
5th Jany. 1799.

My Dear John,

With great concern I have to inform
you that my Brother died this afternoon between one and two
o'clock after a very few days illness, which till this morning did
not seem to threaten immediate danger. It is easier to
imagine than describe the situation of his disconsolate family.
I know, however inconvenient it may be, that, if you can you
will come to mingle your tears with theirs, and to assist in
paying the last duties to so near and dear a Relation ; but let
me intreat you not to endanger your health by travelling in
the night during this very severe weather or any extraordinary
exertion, which is unnecessary, and could answer no purpose.
Archie Swinton has wrote to R. Hepburn, and would probably
mention the day intended for the funeral, tho' I omitted to ask
him that Question.

If you can be spared, no doubt you will obtain leave on
such an occasion, from the commanding Officer on the Spot,
without waiting for an application to the Duke, and in case of
your coming here I suppose it will be time enough after your
arrival, to consider whether it will be proper to offer your
Services to the Duke or Lord Home to conduct the Berwick-
shire Quota to Dumfries. Perhaps it would be right to call at
Dalkeith House in your way to town, but I suppose you will
not think it proper to make the above offer at that time — if at
all, which to me appears doubtful, unless you have reason to
think that it would please the Duke ; at all events I would
only ask for a short leave at present.

138 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I have not seen Lord Home since his marriage, except for
a moment in the street here three days ago.

This day fortnight I went to the Hirsel to wait on him, in
my way to town, but he and his Lady had set out for Dalkeith
that morning.

Your Servant called here yesterday, and both your Letters
to your Mother and Harriet arrived this morning.

I am,

My Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

Maria and Catharine have had slight colds but are quite
recovered, I inclose two Drafts on Sir W. Forbes, one for £20
and one £30, to which you can put dates when you have
occasion to draw them.

Lord Swinton died at Dean House, and was buried in Greyfriars'
Churchyard. A portrait of him, after Raeburn, hangs at Kimmerghame.

Thursday, 23rd May 1799.
My Dear John,

. . . You have probably been already
informed that we made out our Journey here most agreeably
on Tuesday the 14th, tho' we did not get away from. Edin. till
12 o'clock (in place of six the hour appointed over night), but
with the help of an additional pair for the first and last stages,
and a good long rest at Channel kirk & Greenlaw, the old
horses brought us home by 12 at night. We found the house
in great order, and the country very pleasant, tho' the weather
still continues uncommonly cold and bleak for the season.

There has been very little work done in our absence during
the winter as you may suppose. Therefore, tho' I mean to
abstain from every expense that can be avoided, yet I will have
business enough to amuse and occupy my attention for some
time.

AND PORTRAITS 139

We have already got James and Robert established in the
lower room of the Summerhouse, the upper small one is allotted
to Mr Eddie,* who is yet detained in Edinr. by indisposition,
and the larger one is reserved for you or an occasional visitor.

I have invited Bob Davidson and Tytler to make a visit
here in the Summer (if there shall be any), and to concert the
time with you — independent however of the present start you
mean to make here.

Tho' I laid aside, as you know, the considerable alteration
that was once thought of at the back and west end of the
house, yet 1 find some repairs will be absolutely necessary which
are accordingly begun notwithstanding our endeavours to dis-
pose of the whole subject ; the success of which at a reasonable
rate must be doubtful.

I had a Letter within these two days from Arch. Swinton,
who is almost well, and hopes to leave London in a week.

Willie Smeaton was arrived in London, and is expected to
sail in a few days. I believe I wrote you how much we were
charmed with him, during his short stay in Edinburgh.
I am.

Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. Swinton.

[At this time the sale of Kimmerghame begins to be con-
templated, owing to expenditure seeming to be in excess of
income every year.]

My Dear John,

. . . I beg to be kindly remem-
bered to Mr & Mrs Watherston.f I am very sensible of the
kindness of their regrets, for the intended sale of Kimmergham,
which will be sincerely mutual if that event take place. The

* Tutor.

+ They lived at Manderston.

140 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

removal of our Residence from the neighbourhood of such
estimable friends would be a serious and painful calamity, but
such is often the Lot of Humanity.

The distance, however, must be very great indeed, if it
prevents our meeting sometimes while health permits in this
sublunary world — and the books I lately sent Mrs W. tells us
in the most convincing manner to my apprehension — that all
that are worthy may soon expect to meet each other in a
happier Region without impediment of time or space. That
we, my Dear John, may in due time be of that happy number
is the earnest prayer

Of your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

Kimm., 26th May 1799.

My Dear John,

Your letter of the 26th brought us the
agreeable information of your being appointed a Lieut, in the
4th Regt. On looking over the list of oflBcers we do not per-
ceive one of whom we suppose you to have any knowledge,
which is unlucky. . . .

I received your Letter of the 19th, 20th, and 21st, and
partook of all your uneasiness during the anxious days of
uncertainty and expectation for your appointment. That every-
thing prosperous may hereafter attend you is the earnest
Prayer,

My Dear John,

Of your Affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.
Kimm., Friday, 30th Augfc. 1799.

The following three letters are addressed by Archibald
Swinton to his son John, whose regiment was then serving with
the Allies in Holland against the French.

Sept. 16, 1799.
My Dear John,

Your several letters to your Mother,

Sisters, and myself as per margin have all come to hand. It is

AND PORTRAITS 141

wonderful in the midst of so much hurry and bustle how you
have continued to gratify us so often, and at the same time to
remember so many of your other friends as we learn at second
hand. Your brother James is often the eager messenger to
Dunse on your favourite Hotspur ; when successful he is back
in a twinkling, the whole family assemble in an instant, and
the welcome Letter is devoured with anxious avidity. You
may believe that we enter with sympathy into all your situa-
tions, and rejoice to find that your health does not sufifer from
the many inconveniences and fatigues you must unavoidably
encounter at this first outset, and of which you make so light.

Your attentive Mother desires me to remind you to provide
yourself plentifully with flannel to guard against the damp
climate of Holland.

I hope the opposition Genl. Abercrombie met with was
only from the violent Partizans of France, and that the main
body of the Dutch will receive you with open Arms, as their
Benefactors and Deliverers. But at all events it seems
determined to send so great a force on this expedition as may
with the blessing of Providence insure Success.

To descend from Public to domestic concerns you must
know that the Watherstone's arrived at Manderstone a week
ago, that he is almost quite recovered. That Robert and
Campbell Douglas are expected here in a few days with their
respective families. Our House in Edinr. is let for the winter
to Sir John Murray. Mrs Ferguson with her usual goodness
takes charge of James and Robert, while we pass the winter in
the Country. No offer has yet cast up for Kimm, if there should,
it shall not be neglected, as we continue fully impressed with
the conviction of the Propriety of the measure. We think the
small conveniences that have been added this year may enhance
the value, and nothing more will be laid out that can be
avoided.

Some endeavours have been made to find out connections of
the Officers of the 4th. Nancy Home writes that there is a
Capt. Geo. Johnston in the Regt., a friend or Relation of Major
Johnston of the Berwickshire. Hepburn writes that he is very

142 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

lonesome at Dumfries. Crawford's marriage is only retarded
by the Lady being afflicted with an Indisposition called St
Vitus's Dance, which occasions frequent invohmtary motions
of her legs and arms. All here are well, and unite in the
warmest wishes for your welfare.

With your affect. Father,

a. swinton.

My Dear John,

I congratulate you on the report of a
second Victory on the 10th of the gallant Genl. Abercrombie.

You will herewith receive four Letters of Introduction from
your kind Uncle Archie Campbell * in two Packets. He
received your Letter and sent these here, not knowing your
address, regrets that he is not acquainted with any of the officers
of your Regt. I inclose a similar Letter to Genl. Abercrombie,
your Mother and I thinking I may take that Liberty on such
an occasion. You will judge whether it be suitable to deliver
it or not.

The last letters we reed, from you were of the 9th and 10th
from on board the Sicilia. Strongly sympathising in the dis-
tress you must have suffered from contrary winds, and earnestly
looking for agreeable accomP*^- of your welfare.
I remain.

My Dear John,

Your affect. Father,

A. SwiNTON.
Kimm., 19th Sept. 1799.

Teviot Row,
Tuesday, October 15th, 1799.

No words can express what I have suffered for the safety of
my dear son ever since we heard of the glorious but bloody con-
flict of the 2nd, where we are told so many brave men fell, but

* Campbell of Blytheswood.

AND PORTRAITS 143

tbe Returns of the gallant sufferers have not yet reached us, we
are, however, inclined to flatter ourselves that you are unhurt*

Yesterday I waited on Lady Abercrombie to congratulate
her on the great addition Sir Ralph had made to his former
Laurels, and to learn what I could of you — she assured me she
was confident that no ill had befallen you, and otherwise the
General would surely have mentioned it. I took that oppor-
tunity to request a Letter of Introduction to the General,
observing that your modesty had prevented your presenting
yourself before him. Which I gathered from your last letter of
the 29th. She reply 'd that she would certainly mention you
in her very first Letter (perhaps not having understood my
request), and was sure the General would shew you every
attention in his power. With this I was as well satisfy 'd as if
she had given me a Letter. But I had hardly got home when
she sent me the inclosed. What goodness of heart to attend to
the feelings of others in the midst of her own anxiety for so
valuable a life as that of the brave General !

Your Mother and Sisters at Kimm. are under equal anxiety
with me, but if it please God I hope a very short time will
relieve us by AccomPts- from yourself of your safety after another
Victory, — for a Report now prevails that a great Cannonade
was heard at the Holder on the 6th. Permit an anxious Father
to pray that the Almighty may be graciously pleased to cover
your head in the day of battle, and shield you from all harm.

Your Letter of the 29th came to hand at Kimm. on Friday
last, from whence it was sent here to me; we also received
yours of the 17th from Shagan Brug, 21st from Hoorne, and
15th on board the Sicilia, and all the previous letters you
mention to have written, I don't think any have miscarry 'd.
You can only conceive what a comfort it is to hear from you by
the pleasure you feel in hearing from us,

James & Robert came to town on Monday, they stay with
good Mrs Ferguson, who is indefatigable in every kind office to

* The Allies lost 4000 men.

144 • SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

US. James attends Moodie, Hills 2 class & Datsello 1st.
Robert returns to the High School with the assistance of Edie,
who has improved him greatly. I return to Kimm. to-morrow
where your Mother and Sister are waiting, as I am here, with
inconceivable anxiety for Acc^s- from Holland. Mrs Ferguson
flies to the Post Office every morning between 7 & 8. It is
with difficulty I have composed my mind to give you the above
detail.

Thursday Morning, 17th.

Blessed be God this Post hath brought us the certain
accounts of your Safety, by Returns not only of the well fought
battle of the 2nd, but also of another no less nobly contested
and hard earned victory on the 6th, in both of which our brave
army have gained immortal honor, but not without the loss
alas ! of many brave and gallant men. I deeply lament to see
your friend A. Macmurdo's name among the wounded, God
grant it may be but slightly. I hope you will be near enough
to afford him assistance and relief. No doubt (if it was in your
power) you have wrote by this conveyance both to Kimm. and
Millhead, most sincerely do I sympathise with that amiable and
worthy family. We have been long looking for a visit of part
of them at Kimm.

Let me once more offer up my grateful thanks to a Gracious
and Merciful Providence for the signal Protection of our dearly
beloved Son.

My next Letter will be from Kimm. Time will permit no
more at present. Mrs F., James and Robert join in every kind
wish with your affecte. Father,

A. SwiNTON.

Teviot Row,
Thursday, 28th Nov., 1799.

My Dear John,

I have no time to expatiate on several fertile
subjects that have occurred since my last (of the 21st I believe),
viz., — a ball and puppet show to celebrate your arrival in
England — a delightful visit of five days of Mr and Mrs Crawford

AND PORTRAITS 145

and Miss Macmurdo, etc., etc., of all which I trust you have
received true and faithful accounts from your mother and
sisters. I shall therefore content myself with a simple recapitu-
lation in my usual laconic style.

Our visitors arrived to dinner on Wednesday — next morning
we received your letter announcing your arrival at Yarmouth.
On the same day, arrived A. H. Mitchelson, who has greatly
recovered his spirits (much corrected), having now a prospect
of getting entirely rid of his unworthy yokefellow. At night
we made the servants and some of the neighbours supremely
happy with a tub of punch and a dance, which they prolonged
till morning with innocence and good humour to the great
entertainment of our amiable guests, who were also amused with
a visit from an Indian Nabob, etc., etc. On Saturday we had
the courteous Major and family, with Captain Home and Captain
Smith, next day Garston, etc.

You may believe we did everything in our power to entertain
our agreeable guests, who seemed completely gratified, and I
flatter myself they would have made a longer stay, but Crawford's
business determined him to set out on Monday. Archie Hep-
burn, who had assisted greatly to entertain them, asked him to
dine with him at Middleton on their way to town, which they
readily agreed to; and on hearing that I proposed going to
town in a day or two they easily prevailed on me to accompany
them, insisting that their roomy chaise could easily carry four.
Accordingly A. Hepburn and I set out about eleven o'clock in
a chaise to Greenlaw, where we arrived a little before them.
He proceeded on horseback the shortest way to Middleton to
prepare dinner for us, and I had the pleasure to accompany
Crawford and the ladies by Lauder and Bankhouse to Middleton,
where we arrived about six o'clock, and of course stayed all
night. Next morning they went to Edinburgh, and I went to
Clerkinton on Dicky Gossip, which J. Simpson (upon Percy)
had led for that purpose.

It is now high time to give you a description of the ladies,
whom perhaps you have never seen ; and I think I cannot do
better than to adopt the words of your brother, James, in a letter

K

146 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

to Maria : — " They both seem so good and so beautiful that it is
difficult to say which has most goodness or most beauty." At
Clerkington I found the Sheriff and his wife still on foot,
Harriet Hepburn, Dowager Mrs Swinton, and her daughter,
Harriet Mitchelson followed to dinner. We stayed all night,
and rode together to town yesterday morning, escorted part of
the way by the Sheriff, Bob Hepburn being still at Dumfries.

This day brings a letter from the Sheriff, announcing his
wife's safe delivery of a son. I called to-day on Gen. Aber-
cromby, but he is out of town. I likewise called on Captain
Macinley and Mr Megget, two officers in the 2nd Battalion of
your regiment. The first I saw, and asked him to dine at Mrs
Ferguson's to-day, but he was engaged, and is to set out to-
morrow with his company for Yarmouth. He does not seem to
be of your acquaintance. Mr Megget will be the bearer of a
letter from Mrs Ferguson, James and Robert, but I shall send
this by to-morrow's post as it will reach you sooner. I missed
Megget at his father's, but hope to see him to breakfast here
to-morrow before he sets out. He dined with Mrs Ferguson
before I came to town, relieved her from a thousand fears about
you, and gained her heart by the favourable account he gave
of you. . . .

" January 11th, 1800.

"My Dear John,

" James and Robert are in perfect health and high spirits this
morning. They went together to the High School. . . .
Mr Ritchie . . . placed James high in the class above all
the first and second division, and Robertus was so fortunate as
to gain four places himself in the third form which has put bim
in great spirits. I gave him a shilling on the occasion, and he
immediately went out and bestowed sixpence of it on a stick
for his brother. . . ."

In June, 1800, he mentions having exchanged the right of way
through the Ford " which passed my windows " for a way at the

AND PORTRAITS 147

end of Hornchester where he will make a road to it. Probably
at this time the Bridge over the Blackadder at the Lodge was
built.

In February, 1801, as a P.S. he says, " You will be sorry
to hear that gallant Hotspur and poor Dicky have been missing
four days, and no tidings can be got of them, tho' all sorts of
enquiries have been made and are still going on."

My Dear John,

I am sorry I can give you no satisfactory account of poor
Hotspur and Dicky. They disappeared (as it is said) on Wed-
nesday the 18th, but I heard nothing of it till Saturday, after
John Simson of his own accord had searched all the neighbour-

o

hood in vain. On Sunday morning he and Robert Spence,
James Hay, and James Macintosh were all dispatched different
ways on horseback to Longformacus, Coldstream, Dunse, and
Edrom and Greenlaw, &c. Notice was given at several
churches, handbills and advertisements were sent to Berwick
and Kelso.

The three first messengers returned without any tidings of
them, and we began to apprehend they had been stolen. Soon
after James Macintosh returned with intelligence that they had
made their appearance on the preceding evening in a farm yard
near East Gordon, from whence they had wandered, it was not
known whether. Satisfied with this intelligence, he returned
in time to his dinner without pursuing the chase any farther.
And I confess I was so well pleased to find they had not been
stolen that I did not immediately attend to his stupidity and
indifference in returning so soon without them, but trusted
they would easily be found next day in that neighbourhood.
Accordingly, the trusty and zealous John Simson was dispatched
at peep of day to bring them home. But after traversing the
country with the greatest diligence and sagacity from village to
village all Monday and Tuesday, to the extent of about four
score miles at least, he returned about ten o'clock on Tuesday
night without having been able to trace them farther than that

148 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

they were seen passing northwestward near Hexpath Dean Toll
on Saturday evening. So we must now depend chiefly on the
advertisements in the Kelso and Edinburgh newspapers.

I am sorry to hear that it is not a new case, as Mr Landells,
the minister, tells us that he lost two horses some years ago in
a similar manner. Harriet bears her share of the calamity
with great fortitude. Poor James will be inconsolable. I could
not omit giving you this circumstantial detail, considering the
regard I know you bear to Hotspur. But I still hope they
may cast up.

I remain,

My dear John,

Your affectionate father,

A. SV^^INTON.
Kimmerghame, Thursday Morning,
26th February 1801.

No further letters on the subject of the lost horses are pre-
served, but allusions many years later to Hotspur's " honoured
old age " show that they were recovered.

The remaining letters after this date from Archibald to his
son John are chiefly on business matters.

During 1802 much negotiation went on about the Sale of
Kimmerghame. Offers made and falling through, etc., and in
January, 1803, he decides to take Loretto House near Edin-
burgh at a rent of £135 and £120 for repairs. In March he
was living with Mrs Ferguson in Teviot Row, and later writes :
" Mrs Ferguson, James and I have all got established at Loretto,
where everything goes on prosperously."

The same month he returns to Kimmerghame. John had
at this time become engaged to the daughter of Sir John
Stuart at Allanbank. He appears to have been deeply attached
to her. She suffered from some illness that caused those
around her to fluctuate between despair and confidence of her
recovery. To this illness she succumbed unexpectedly two
days after her betrothed, John, left her, he being called back to

AND PORTRAITS 149

his Regiment. A large packet of condolences have been pre-
served by him. His Father writes : " On this awful occasion,
we are just setting out for church to meet the Allan bank family,
and the same outward marks of affliction are adopted by this
family as if we stood in the relation we fondly hoped to have
done." In the spring of this year he began to be troubled with
his eyesight ; he mentions the doctor has confined him to the
house because the inflammation in his eyes has increased. He
also says : " Two or three carts arrive to-morrow with some
more books." Mrs Ferguson and James go out in the morning
to meet the carts and unload their contents." John at
Kimmerghame seems to have supervised the packing and
dispatch of the carts, etc.

On June 4th, 1803, he writes from Loretto : " All the rooms
are finished except that intended for a Library, which remains
untouched, and all the books are still lying in a heap on the
floor of the south east parlour."

These allusions are interesting as recording the early collect-
ing of the Kimmerghame Library.

Most of his letters are now dictated to James, owing to the
state of his eyesight. In the autumn of 1803 he went a trip in
Berwickshire, riding " Sparkles," and he insists after much
opposition from his family in going to visit his son at Athlone
in Ireland, where John is now quartered. He provides a coach
and excellent pair of horses, " Lest Loretto should prove hot
quarters for your mother and sisters." This was in anticipation
of a French landing at Leith.

Early in 1804 the whole family set out for Bath, travelling
by Milford Haven, from whence he writes he is much improved
in health. From Bath he writes in February saying after
mature deliberation he has come to the conclusion of sending
Archie out this season. He had hesitated between putting
him in a cousin's law-office in Edinburgh, or sending him to sea
with another cousin. Captain Swinton, of the Lady Burgess.
The latter course is adopted, influenced by Archie's own wish
for a sea life. James he has also decided to send as a cadet to
India, but this break up of the family he was not destined to

150 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

live to see. On the 28th he writes : " We propose leaving
Bath on Thursday, 8th March. I have been partaking with
pleasure of the card parties, and am going to the Play to-night."
Alas, he died on the 6th March. Six days before he com-
menced with a violent cold, which fell on his lungs, and was
succeeded by a bilious attack. From this he seemed to have
rallied, but in a quiet sleep which succeeded he breathed his
last almost insensibly. His daughter writes : " Never, never
shall I fear Death after watching his peaceful end." He was
buried in the Abbey Church, Bath, and a marble oval on a
fluted slab was placed on the North Wall of the Chancel with
this inscription : —

" Sacred to the memory of Archibald Swinton, Esq., who
died at Bath on the 6th of March, 1804, in the 74th year of his
age, and is interred here. This stone was erected by his eldest
son, Capt. John Swinton, of H.M. 91st Regiment, as a small
tribute of grateful affection to the beloved and revered memory
of the best of Fathers."

PART V.

^^RCHIBALD SWINTON left three sons and three
^^1^ daughters. His widow and daughters started for their
home (Loretto) in Scotland the day after the funeral at
Bath. John, the eldest son, came and went from his regiment,
then quartered at Colchester, to settle matters of business in
London, and to see his brother James off on board The Lady
Jane for India, and later went to Portsmouth to see Archy off
on his first voyage in the Lady Burgess ship, under his cousin.
Captain Swinton.

Mrs Ferguson writes to James : —

Teviot Row,

March 21st, 1804.

My Dearest James,

I received yours from Bath of date
the 9th, but delayed answering it as Archie wrote me that you
would write when you got to London. If you could see the
letters I wrote (not come to hand till after your departure) you
would see how very anxious I was that you should get out in
the Lady Jane Dundas, which has been providentially detained
until you had fulfilled every duty to your dear departed Parent.
Indeed, the hand of Providence visibly appears in all the late
transactions since and previous to our inflictions, particularly
for your comfort, led by circumstances to your dear Father's
bedside to receive his dying words and last breath. Ah, my
dear James, what a comfort ! It will be a lesson to you all the
days of your life to Live so as to Die like him. Alas, how vain
are all our anxieties. My heart often died within me when I
thought of the heavy loss he was to make in you, and even
poor little Archie would have been of consequence to him ; and

152 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

yet what a strong part I took to get him sent for his good, but
it was not with my eyes shut, but Providence ordered better
for my dear brother. His happiness I trust is now of a purer
nature than we can enjoy on earth, unmixed with sickness or
with sorrow ! Take these as my last words — I shall never see
you again in this world, but I shall ardently wish to hear of
your happiness and prosperity. God preserve you, my dear
nephew, and keep you in the straight road in which you have
set out, assured by the precepts and example of your virtuous
and religious parents. You are now upon the wide world at
an early and dangerous age, let not evil example lead you
astray.

I will do all I can (as I have the comfort of thinking I have
ever done) for my dear brother's family. They have now the
infinite satisfaction of having John with them, who I am sure
will do all he can to fill his Father's place to his mother and
sisters and you all.

I am now only anxious that they may leave Bath in time to
get another meeting with you ere you go. I keep my eyes on
both ships, and see that they were on the 18th come down to
Deal. I cannot help thinking but that Captain Swinton's ship
will go by this Fleet, though he has led them to believe he will
be here till May. At all events I hope they will not risk
Archie's disappointment by keeping him too long at Bath. He
has had a sort of irruption upon his legs, but I hope that is
gone too. John has got a month's leave, which will permit him
to conduct them home, so you may be quite easy on that head.
I shall stop here till I see what neAvs the post brings me.

No word by this post. I must just finish. I am at ease
that you have told me you have got the fifty pounds. I had
written Mrs Swinton earnestly intreating her not to neglect
getting it for you. I pointed out Mr Couts, who I knew would
advance upon such security. My funds are all locked up like
Sir James Sterling's, but I will soon repay it. Dear little
Archie bids me keep his portion till after his first voyage as he
fears Captain Swinton will not let him be a merchant, but I
have begged Mrs Swinton to put it into the Captain's hands

AND PORTRAITS 153

for him. I am sure he will cause it make an iDcrease for him
some way or other. What a blessing it is that we have such
good hands to put the dear fellow into. Take my word he will
be a clever fellow and a good seaman. I will make Mrs Watson
happy with your kind remembrance. She has a motherly love
for you, and so has poor Mrs Fraser. Mrs Bendon and Miss
Ferguson desire their kindest love.

I know you will be happy to hear I am greatly better, and
will cherish the nail you put up for your hat in the passage.
The house will not be out of the family though I should be
gone. Adieu, adieu.

I will ever remain,

My dearest James,

Your most affectionate aunt,

K. Ferguson.

Lady Stuart and Sir John have been extremely kind to me.
They are like good angels hovering over us to do us good.
They will send this to Ned. Marjoribanks, who will send it after
you if you should be gone.

John Swinton to his Brother James.

8th April 1804.

" I have been at Portsmouth with Archy, and consigned
him to the care of Captain Swinton. He is quite well and
happy. . . . You will easily imagine that I have been
earnestly employed in fulfilling to the utmost of my power
every wish of our beloved and honoured Father, I have put
things in train for the Waterford affair (this was starting and
supporting a family, from India, in distress). . . . Let us
while we live keep the example of him who is gone to Heaven
before us, and pray that after a life spent in the imitations of
his virtues we may rejoin him in everlasting happiness, never
more to part. I have seen West's painting, and he offers to
make a portrait from it, but, tho' like, it was done when he was

154 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

SO much younger than we can recollect him that it does not
convey the idea of him sufficiently strong to make that
desirable. I have employed Morris to endeavour to get a
picture that I believe is in the possession of Dick S. or his
mother. ... I have seen Flaxman, the Statuary, about a
monument ; nothing is yet settled. I believe it will end in a
plain marble with a very short inscription. Nothing can
express what we feel ! "

Archy wrote from Ryde on the 12th April a short letter,
beautifully, neatly written. As it contains nothing of special
interest it is omitted, and the following letter given entire. Its
description of St Helena makes one understand why Napoleon
fainted when he heard he was to be confined on that Island.

Lady Burgess, off St Helena,
August 29th, 1804.

My Dear Mother,

Since I wrote the last fragment of a Letter, which
I suppose you received about a month before this will come to
hand, 3 more Indiamen — the Lady Caatleray, Preston, and
Europe — have come in here, and as we now expect to sail in
the Course of this Week, I think it better to have this ready in
time, that I may not be obliged to send it in the same unfinished
state my last went, which was occasioned by my thinking that
the Bag into which we put the Letters would not go aboard the
Courageous till the last moment, so when I had just begun my
letter I went ashore & left it upon the Table in the Captain's
Cabin, and when I returned I found the Boat waiting for the
Letters, and the Captain's servant in the Act of putting a
Wafer on mine, which he had seen me writing, so that I was
obliged to direct it and let it go immediately. I believe I told
you in my last that we made Madeira upon the 2nd of June,
but as we only lay to for about an hour in the Middle of the
night I had not time to write. It is needless for me to attempt
to express the joy we all felt at the first sight of land, which was
announced by a Sigt. from the Com. at daylight on the Morning
of the 9th, just after I had turned in from the Middle Watch

AND PORTRAITS 155

from 12 to 4. The Moment I heard the word up I jump, got
up to the Mast head but could see nothing till about 7 o'clock,
when I could just discern something like a very black Cloud
which seemed to hang over the Water. Towards noon it grew
Clearer and clearer till you could plainly see an immense black
rock rising almost perpendicular out of the Water and seemingly
inaccessible, covered with forts and Batteries, but not the least
appearance of vegetation. We got round the point which juts
out from one side of the Island, when we had a full view of the
Town, and the Governor's house in the middle, with a few
Cocoa Nut, Olive and Plantain Trees, the only ones on the side
of the Island, before it with all the Bengal fleet at anchor, which
I believe I told you, in my last, were to have sailed that day if
the Convoy had not come in with us. We then lay too while
the Com. went in himself in full uniform in his 12 Oared Barge,
and crew all dressed in white jackets and trousers, the Governor
waiting upon the beach with all his officers and train to receive
them the moment he set his foot on shore. We were saluted
with 3 rounds from saddles hill battery, which was returned
from the Gourageux ; we then anchored as fast as possible, and
by 6 o'clock in the afternoon were safely moored close in there.
The same night the Captain went ashore, and next day the
Ladies and Sir John. We then set about taking in our Masts
and Yards and unbending our sails, unloading our cargo of beef,
pork, and coals for the Island (a clean work for the Midship-
men), taking in water and ballast, and painting the ships,
almost all which is now done, and every body is as, or more,
anxious to get away than they were to come in here, and from
what I have seen of it, it certainly is a most barren inhospitable
place. In the month we have been here I have been twice
ashore, the first time with 2 of the other Midshipmen when
we went up to the battery on the Top of Ladder hill, where the
Commanding Officer, a Scotsman, took us into his Marqui and
spohe very kindly, but said he had nothing to eat for himself
far less to give away, though I cannot say that his belly bespoke
starvation, being something like Mrs Ferguson's friends in
Teviot Row (I leave you to guess who I mean). The other

156 SWINTON FAMILY BECORDS

time by myself, I wandered all over the rocks in hopes of finding
a Tree or some Grass, which I heard was plenty, indeed we had
the day before got some very fine hay, but not a foot of it could
I find, but I now hear that it is all on the other side of the
Island which is too far to walk, and horses are grievous bad,
dear, and scarce, notwithstanding all which I would have liked
a Ride very much if I had had time or a Companion, but as I
was alone I was obliged to give it up. There were some fowls
came aboard yesterday just about the size of sparrows, for which
you have to pay 4 shillings a piece, 6 pence for eggs, and a
guinea a day for lodging only. Washing is also extremely dear,

5 pence a shirt, 3d. a pocket handkerchief, so that I will not
get all my things washed under a guinea. The only things
that are plenty upon the Island are goats, which it is almost
impossible to get at, fish and Potatoes, even which are very
scarce this season. And now that I have said so much about
a place that is hardly worth the waste of paper or your time, I
know you will like to hear what I think of the profession I have
chosen, which I am glad to say I like extremely. Indeed, if I
was not happy I would be most ungrateful not only to the
Captain, but to all the Officers and passengers who have been
without exception extremely kind to me. Sir John Doyley
seems to me to be one of the best Men I ever saw — and in my
life I never saw a person who so much reminds me in every
instance of that best of Fathers who is now enjoying the bright
reward of all his virtues, and whose worthy example I shall
make it the endeavour of my life to follow. No ships have
come in here from Madras, but hope before this reaches you you
will have heard of James's safe arrival there. I do not know
whether I told you in my last that we parted with the Gamp

6 frigate Gornwallis off Madeira and expected to find her here,
but when we came in she had sailed about a week before, which
is rather unfortunate as by far the most dangerous part of our
voyage is to come, now we have lost the Commodore, but I still
think the Dover Castle and us ought to make a pretty good fit
of it against any single Privateer, or even a small frigate. We
are all stationed, and while at Sea exercise Great guns and

AND PORTRAITS 157

small arms twice a week. My station with two other Mid-
shipmen is upon the Quarter Deck to see the men at their
different stations and carry order from the Captain, first Mate
to the other officers upon the Gun Deck, and since we have
come in here, have sported an English Pendant and Blue
Ensign to look like a Man of War. In the painting and every
thing else that could be changed, have exactly followed the
Model of the Courageux.

To you my dearest Mother, I need not say the joy that a
meeting with my beloved family will give me, and if it be the
Almighty's will that we all live to see that happy day. I told
you in the beginning of my letter that we expected to get off
in the course of this week, indeed we are ready to sail
to-morrow, but the opinion seems to be that the other ship,
the Dover Castle, will not be ready quite so soon, but at all
events shall keep this open till the last Moment. I have
written Mrs Ferguson, and as I am not quite sure of your being
at Loretto I shall enclose this for her to direct.

Give my kindest love to John, to whom I would write, but
do not know where to find him, but suppose he is still with the
General, Harriet, Maria, and Catharine, not forgetting Effie the
fish wife ; the paper will admit of no more. And now my dear
Mother,

Believe me.

Your affect. Son,

R. Archd. Swinton.

Ihe Captain and Ladies are to come aboard to-day.
From the Same, to his Brother John.

" Kedgeree, Jan. 11, 1805.

" My Dear John,

" We had but one accident— a very lamentable one. A
midshipman of the name of Bruce, a very fine boy just about
my age. We had brought up one night just about dark off
the Sandhead to wait for a Pilot to take us in. He was desired

February 18th, 1805.

158 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

to look out for the vessel upon the poop, but unfortunately he
lay down on the hammock netting and fell asleep, when one of
the others threw some water upon him. He, starting up, made
a sudden spring the wrong way, and went right overboard.
The lifebuoy was immediately cut away and boat lowered, but
his days were numbered, and every endeavour to save him was
in vain. What made the case more deplorable he was born in
India, and had only been three or four years in England for his
education, and did not mean to continue in the service, but was
coming out to live with his friends here, and only acted as
midshipman to save expense. His Father and Mother were
both drowned by a boat oversetting. ... I spent my
Christmas at Calcutta. . . ."

Mrs Ferguson wrote : —

My Dearest James,

I take the opportunity of sending
you a letter by Mr Donald, your old friend, as it will not cost
you anything, and at such a distance every word from a friend
is interesting. I need not tell you how happy your letter by
the ship Glory made us. We had long waited and much
wearied for its arrival, but it made up for all when it arrived
with such circumstantial and good accounts from our dear
Cadet (by the bye, we would not have been sorry could you
have given yourself another title), but all in good time. We
see you are not idle, and hope you are gaining a friend in your
instructor as well as many others by whom we hear of you,
much to your advantage, Captain Orr in particular.

I admire your wise resolution of living on your pay, if
possible, small enough at present, but I hope it will soon be
better. But, my dear James, though you have many friends,
generous and well affected to you, include me among them,
and draw upon me for any sum you may find necessary. I will
answer your draft. You know how few and moderate are my
wants, and am endowed with a plentiful little, for which I am
truly thankful, and for the blessing of good health, which

AND PORTRAITS 159

sweetens every enjoyment. I thank you for your anxiety
about my health, you have good reason for it, and judge most
justly. It is not what it was when I began to put Loretto in a
habitable condition. I am somewhat older, and have met some
sorrow since we parted, but still am much better than I had
reason to expect. I hope you got my first letter per the Asia.
My second, alas ! was meant to go by poor John Rutherford in
the Abergavenny, but I took fright that it might miscarry, as it
was not for Madras, and Ned Marjoribanks sent it by another
ship. I wish the dear youth had been in any other. By this
time you must have heard of the fate of it, and many hundreds,
at setting out. The doctor and Miss Rutherford have borne
their loss with a fortitude that was little expected, considering
the grief they had at parting with him. My mind is much at
ease with respect to you, to hear that you are safe in India, in
health and happy is almost all that we have to wish for you,
and now if I saw Archy home again in safety I will be quite at
ease.

I think by his letters, which are excellent, that he likes his
profession, indeed he says so, and I have his fifty pounds ready
for him when he returns — to receive it. Your most excellent
brother is here just now in good health and spirits, a comfort to
his mother and sisters, who are all well ; and he acts like a
father to them in every respect. You have so many corre-
spondents in the family that anything I can tell you must be
only a repetition. I shall therefore only mention a few friends
who loved you and rejoices to hear of your well-being. Mrs
Watson and good Mrs Fraser, they are both like me, going down
the brae in good spirits. Mrs Bendon and Miss Ferguson,
pretty much as you left them. All those desire to be most
kindly remembered to you. Your old companion (I will not
call him friend) R. D. has taken unto himself a wife, to whom
he has given a title, but that is the most valuable thing he has
to impart. You know him, so I need not say more. I often
see Campbell, who still retains his fine complexion, and bows
most civilly to me. Poor Wood is grown a long lad, and
inquires most kindly for you. I don't know what he is doing.

160 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I never see young Davidson. I fancy he is turning out very
well, but he is grown out of my acquaintance. His sister,
Betsy, you will have heard is married to Colonel Spence, and
has lately presented him with a son.

March 18th. — Since writing the above a good space of time
has elapsed, and the Captain has gone for Colchester in good
health and spirits, with his General. He was at a Berwickshire
Subscription Ball, of which no doubt your sisters will give you
an account. John looked charming in the Staff uniform, and
danced with all the Misses, He got quite lively at the last.
Your sisters have been taking a part of the amusements that
are going on. I have got rid of my cold, and am making up
parties to eat turkeys and nice things. Lady Stuart and Sir
John and a suitable accompanyment are to be with me after a
fifteen days' notice. I will live, you see, all the days of my life.

I thought Mr Donald would go off much sooner, but he has
been detained six weeks longer than he expected. Mrs Donald
is well, a very agreeable, young looking woman for so grown a
young man, and your old friend. I never saw Miss Donald till
the last time I was there — a very pretty young woman, and
was most polite to me.

The house in G. S.* did not sell, so I have all that work to
work over again, and the worst of it is Mrs Graham of Gartmore,
who is in the house, will not let me put on a ticket. It is
amazing how selfish some people are. I am thankful with the
Pharisee " that I am not like that Publican," with rather more
justice I hope. I imagine you get so many letters that you will
just fancy yourself at home. I shall never send you one that
can cost you anything. My old wish to save postage sticks by
me, you'll say — but mind you are not yet become a Nabob !

Adieu, my dear James, that you may thrive and continue a
good man like your worthy father is the sincere prayer of
Your most affectionate aunt,

K. Ferguson.

* The house in George Square belonging to Archibald Swinton which
Mrs Ferguson is assisting his widow to dispose of.

and portraits 161

From Midshipman Archibald to his Brother John.

Off Firbay, September 8th, 1805.

My Dear John,

According to your directions I shall enclose this
to Mr Davies, who I hope will know where you are. We are
now, I am happy to say, in sight of Old England, and I cannot
tell you how my heart dances at the sight.

As I do not suppose I shall be able to leave the Ship this
some time (till the Cargo is out), I need not say how agreeable
a Meeting with you would be if you are still in England, but I
beg you may not put yourself to the least inconvenience on that
account. I was very pleased at yours, my Mother's & Harriet's
precious Letters at St Helena, which were particularly pleasing
at that inhospitable place ; we were fortunately, however, not
detained there, as we found both the whole Bengal fleet, which
had sailed a month before us, & 2 China Ones, all which were
ready to sail as soon as we had watered, which was in 8 Days —
& from that place, as well as from Bengal, we have had a most
capital passage. As the Boat is alongside in which the purser
goes ashore with the Dispatches, who will take this, I have time
for no more — but shall write you at large from the Downs,
where we expect to be to-morrow. I have written my Mother
a long letter by the same conveyance.
Believe me, etc.,

Archd. Swinton.

From the same who was " Off the Downs," in Sept., and
had rejoined his Family.

Renfield, Oct. 5th, 1805.

My Dear John,

As Kate intends getting a Frank for her letter
from Mr Alexander (who dines here to-day), I cannot resist
putting in a sheet.

As I well know how you will participate in the pleasures I
have enjoyed since my Arrival here I cannot resist giving you
an account of them.
L

162 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Our Journey, as you may easily suppose, was made most
delightful by the pleasing good humour and easy kindness of
my rosy faced Companion ; the first Night, as you know was
intended, was most pleasantly spent at Stanmore, where we
were most kindly received by the hospitable Owners. Mr
Drummond is, I think, a most pleasant young man, & Meg
Monro quite uncorrupted by the style in which she now lives.
After seeing his & her numerous studs of Hounds & Deer, and
eating a sumptuous dinner served on plate, we repaired to the
Stanmore play, where we were much entertained by Laugh
when you can, & the Irishman in London. I was of Mrs
Drummond's party in her Coach, where she showed herself in
her true colours by begging the Coachman to pass every vehicle
that was before us, the next morning about 10 o'clock we left
them, after my receiving a most kind invitation to pass some
time with them on my return to England ; the next night we
slept at Chesterfield, and then visited the Pic's at Sheffield.
The delights of Matrimony do not seem to have had much effect
in raising the spirits of the fair Bride, and the Colonel's old
complaint of spitting blood I am sorry to say has returned — the
last night we spent with the Campbell Douglass's at Castle
Mains, they were both amazingly kind, but she I am sorry to say
is looking very pale and ill. The pleasure of Meeting with my
Mother and Sisters it is much easier for you to conceive than for
me to express. As Catherine was then on a visit to the
Macvicar's at Leven side I did not see her that night, but as she
did not come all next day, as was expected, I went there to
breakfast on Sunday Morning with a card for Mrs Macvicar to
bring her down that day, however, as most unfortunately the
Gig pony had taken physic, her return was obliged to be put oflf
till Monday, and Kate, much to her annoyance, being mounted
on Sparkler and I on one of Mr Macvicar's Horses, we took a
most delightful ride with him to Loch Lomond, where we had
such a delightful view as I never before beheld ; woeful however
was the Ride both to poor Kate and her steed, as the former
complained that her Bones were almost shaken out, and the side
saddle not fitting poor Sparkler's back was so galled that I have

AND PORTRAITS 163

not been able to ride since, however, as it is not festering I hope
it will now soon heal. Catherine is so much grown, & her voice
so amazingly like Maria's, that I should hardly have known her.
Mrs Macvicar was very kind, & is, I think, very much improved
in her manner ; the next day we went to Caldwell, and I
accompanied Mr Muir to a pleasant day's shooting. I was last
night very much delighted by seeing the young Roscius,* who
even exceeded my expectations, though we were very unfortunate
in the play being the Castle Spectre, the house, I think, is most
elegant, though you see it to great disadvantage by its not
being half lighted. We are to leave this upon Wednesday, and
visit the Bruce's of Kennet on our way down, but I suppose
Kate will give you our whole plans. I need not say how
delighted I was at reading James's well penned letters, and are
very glad to hear that you have received yours. We are to-day
going to visit Lady Semple at East Bank, and as it is now time
to drop & my paper begins to fail, I must, with best respects to
the General, remain, etc., g^ ^ ^ SwiNTON.

From the Same to his Brother James in India.
(In December, 1805, he becomes a Blue Coat School Boy.)

Christ's Hospital, Jan. 23rd, 1806,

My Dear James, . • ^. • ^.-u- ^t

' As my going out again this Voyage

is now fully determined upon, I hope soon after this reaches

you to have once more the pleasure of embracing my dearest

brother, and may the Almighty God of mercies grant that I

find him in as good health as at our parting.

In a long letter by the Bell Packet, I told you of the great

Victory, which had then just been gained at the expense of his

invaluable life, by the ever to be lamented Nelson, and the

probability of Troops being sent to the Continent, to assist the

Austrians against the French. On the 22nd Deer, they sailed,

and about a fortnight ago we had the satisfaction of Letters

from John, dated the 29th of that Month, safely moored in the

* W, H. W, Betty, the precocious boy actor, known as Young Roscius,
1791-1874.

164 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Weser after a very tempestuous passage, but from the peculiar
situation of affairs there (an Armistice being concluded between
the Emperors of France, Austria, and Russia) their speedy
Return seems confidently expected here, and Transport have
even been dispatched for them, and at all events not the
slightest apprehension is entertained for their safety, as that is
guaranteed by the King of Prussia so that I have no doubt of
seeing John again before we sail, and am not entirely without
hopes of our being able to carry out the news of Peace.

It would be impossible for me my dear James to express
the pleasure we all received from your most interesting letter
by Captn. Constable, which came to hand a short time after the
Bell sailed, and what satisfaction your being so honourably
chosen by the unanimous wish of your brother Officers as their
Commander gave us all, with such examples before me as
yours, and our dear John's, believe me my greatest exertions
shall be to render myself not a disgrace to them. Captn.
Swinton shows me every day fresh proofs the greatest kindness,
and seems to wish me to consider him as a Father, who looks
upon my welfare and interest as his own. He has a nice house
at Chelsea to which he is kind enough to invite me every
Saturday and Sunday. Mrs and Luisa are quite well, the latter
is grown a remarkably fine child.

In my last letter by the Bell I told you of my situation
here, and the uncertainty whether I was to go through a course
with Mr Gwynne or not, but as Captain S. has continued stedfast
to his opinion of the impropriety of my losing a Voyage, and
has given up the point of my going out this Voyage as 6th
mate, rather than act contrary to the opinion of such a friend,
my Mother has at last come round to it, and I am to proceed
once more as Midshipman of the Lady Burges. We expect
to get off about the beginning of March, and if you have not by
that time proceeded far up the Country, and nothing particular
detains us, I hope to have a happy meeting with you before
the end of July.

As before that time I had just recovered of a slight cold, I
spent my last Xmas with our Friends at Chertsey, where the

AND PORTRAITS 165

fresh air soon recruited my streugth, which was a good deal
weakened ; the Douglas's are all well, and desire to be kindly
remembered to you ; your friend Mr Dick . . . soon expect
home — little Davies was at Chertsey at the same time, he is in
great spirits, & as kind & useful as ever.

I inclose you a letter from John which was enclosed to me
from the Weser — you must not be surprised if he does not
mention returning to England — as at that time the news of the
defeat of the Austrians & Russians and Armistice in conse-
quence had not reached him.

Your Friends in Scotland are all well. & as I know they
have written fully shall not attempt to give you either news or
scandal, & so remain

Your most affectionate Brother,

S. R. Archd. Swinton.

P.S. — Jan. 24th. — I had just finished my letter, when I was
last night equally surprised and grieved by the unexpected
news of the death of Mr Pitt, which is now I am sorry to say
confirmed beyond doubt ; what will be the consequence to the
Country of the unexpected stroke, or who succeed to his high
office. I am not Politician enough to say ; but though within
this short time we have certainly lost in a Nelson and a Pitt
our greatest warrior and our greatest Statesman, yet I trust in
God we have many left, who are both able & willing to show
us, that though gone for ever — their equals are yet left behind
them. I have room for no more at present.

S. R. A. S.

From S. R. A. Swinton.

Christ's Hospital, Jan. 10th, 1806.

" I suppose you have heard the sad news of the defeat of
the Russians and Austrians at Austerlitz and of the Armistice
concluded between the three Emperors. Exaggerated as the
French accounts certainly are yet the main part is I fear but
too true. . . . Yesterday the body of our lamented Hero,
Lord Nelson, was deposited under the dome of St Paul's. The

166 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

ceremony was, I hear, one of the grandest things ever seen in
England, and the crowd immense. I was not able to get a seat
in any of the houses, and much too great a regard for my
pericranium to venture in the streets. Three regular Regiments
came to town on purpose to keep off the crowd, and all the
streets through which he passed were lined 3 deep with
Volunteers or 2 with regulars."

"Chelsea, 11th Feb., 1806.

"My Dear John,

I left Mr Gwynne Ch. Ch. Hosp. (Christ Church Hospital)
on the 8th, and have been out here ever since. The ship is at
Gravesend, where I intended to have joined her. . . .
P.S. — I had almost forgot to greet you Laird of Broad Meadows,
which is now yours at I believe £37,500."

Ladtj Surges, Feb. 16th, 1806.

My Dear John,

Here I am at last once more aboard
the Lady Surges with a chest for a Table, another for a chair,
and in short all the apparatus of a company's candlestick. I
reed, yours last night and another the day before, and shall
with joy wait the pleasing intelligence of your having reached
the downs.

As Gravesend is out of your way to town, should you get
leave to go up there, if you will just drop me a line to say what
day you will be in London, I can with the greatest ease be up
there in a couple of hours, at the small expense of a shilling, or
if you do not intend visiting the great city, before your trip to
Scotland, if you will let me know your quarters it will be much
easier for me to come there than your coming here.

As only two of the midshipmen besides myself are yet
aboard, I cannot exactly say how things will be ; one of them
was in the ship last voyage, and though not exactly the Gentle-

AND PORTRAITS 167

man, was by far the best of them ; none of the others have
been to sea before, as the Waterman waits I have time for no
more.

Believe me, etc.,

S. R. Arch. Swinton.

From the Same.

Lady Burges, in the Downs,
9th March, 1806.

Dr. John,

I have but a moment's time to tell you that we
have just arrived here in our way to Portsmouth, where we shall
proceed as soon as the wind will let us, but as the first fleet has
sailed expect delay there 2 months at least.

We left Gravesend on Monday last, and all but got aground
this morning on a ridge of sand that runs from the Goodwyns,
but from its being fortunately just low water and no sea we got
off immediately without any damage. I was greatly surprised
on anchoring here to find yours of the 1st, and agreeable to your
directions shall send this to the British, but hope that ere now
you have reed, a prolongation of your leave, shall also write to
Loretto.

I am very glad to see that you have given up all thoughts of
James's Business, and am convinced you have done for the best,
and also that you have got the better of your cold, as for mine
(if I ever had one) it is quite gone otf.

I am much obliged to you for your anxiety about my flannell,
but am fortunately so well provided as not to require any.

Mrch. 10th— ai Night.

I was just going to dispatch the above when being called upon
Deck I have hardly ever been below since, as the wind coming
fair last night the pilot got under weigh for Portsmouth, but
when we had got more than half way there it came on to blow
so hard in our teeth we were obliged to put back, and this
afternoon found ourselves just where we were last night, fagging
the people's very souls out. The wind is again fair, and I

168 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

suppose we shall get under weigh in the morning, so direct to
me at Portsmouth to remain there till the Ship arrives. As
for the bed, I sent for one to London, value 37s., which I shall
thank you to pay Mr Davies for, as sending money is trouble-
some. As I am very sleepy, and have but three hours on my
hands, I must for the present bid you good night.

S. R. Arch. Swinton.
From the Same.

Lady Surges^ at the Motherbank,
21st March, 1806.

My Dear John,

I was on Thursday made completely happy by
the receipt of your letter announcing the happy change of your
situation ; and, believe me, nothing could have given me so
much pleasure, when on the eve of waiting, as having it in my
power to carry out to James the joyful tidings that the repre-
sentive of the best of fathers now has in his power what always
was his wish, to follow the footsteps of that worthy predecessor,
in being a father to the poor, a respected friend to the Neigh-
bours, and a blessing to all around him — such my dear John
will, I am sure, be the result of your following at once the wishes
of my Mother and advice of your friends — for, as Tytler says, I
know no one so well calculated as yourself to enjoy the comforts
of domestic life.

When my last letter from Loretto was written (dated the
15th) they did not seem to know for certain your resolution of
quitting the army, but before this time I suppose their hearts
have been gladdened with your final declaration. I think your
plan of parting with Loretto and buying a house in Edinburgh
for my mother is a most excellent one, and I look forward with
unspeakable pleasure to the time when, after this voyage, I
shall pay the Berwickshire Laird a visit on his own premises.
It is very tantalizing your leave arriving at Loretto just after
you had quitted, though I do not know whether it will not be
better in the end, as you must at all events have come to town

AND PORTRAITS 169

again to transact your business, & I think it is as well to get
that done at once while you are about it, and then go down for
good.

I shall keep your Memorandum with care for James, &
explain fully to him all I can on the subject in question, but I
have no doubt he will approve your decision, If you have one
ready I think he would be much entertained with a copy of
your interesting correspondence which the counterfeit names
makes, I think, quite safe, even should it fall into the hands of
one who might think it worth publishing, but you can best
judge of that yourself, and I trust the time will come when the
hap'py trio will have it in their power to scann them over a
Broadmeadows fireside.

I am very glad that they have reed, letters from James at
Loretto, at the date of my mother's last they had not yet got
any, but seems very anxious about it. We are now, thank God,
safely moored here after one of the most unpleasant passages
from Gravesend that I believe a ship ever had, as there is
literally nothing to do. I have as yet heard no hint as to the
time of our sailing, but have no doubt we shall have a spell of
2 months at least. I reed, the £10 safe, but think an almost
unnecessary supply.

The Capt. has got a house at Ryde to which Mrs Swinton
has kindly invited me.

I have time for no more at present, but shall write you soon.

Yours, etc.,

S. R. A. Swinton.

John Writes to James in India.

" Loretto, 14th June 1806.

" My Dear James,

" Long before this can reach you, you
must hear that our beloved Archy is gone to Heaven. The
sad intelligence has reached us by a letter from Captain
Swinton, who with difficulty saved himself upon a plank.
. . . The spotless and innocent spirit of the dear boy we

170 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

have lost is enjoying a degree of felicity immeasurably greater
than this world could have bestowed. Consider that our
sorrow is but for ourselves, that tho' he is snatched by the will
of Almighty God to an early grave, we know not how many
trials he has escaped in this changeable world.

" He was ripe for Heaven where he is gone, and where we
humbly hope we shall all one day meet, never more to part.
Our hearts bleed for you. Alas, how sad a reverse awaits you
anxiously expecting his arrival. . . . Let me entreat you,
my dear, and now only brother to bear in mind that your
health is now doubly precious to us all. Call in Religion to
your aid, and you will be comforted as we are. It is at
moments like this that we feel its value. . . ."

(Copy of Paragraph from a Newspaper.)

" We are sorry to announce the loss of the Burgess, East
Indiaman, outward bound. Captain Swinton. She sailed with
the rest of the fleet under convoy of the Leopard from Ports-
mouth on the 31st March, and on the night of the 20th April,
being nearly in the centre of the Fleet, she struck on a sunken
rock, between St Jago and Benavista, and after beating upon it
nearly seven hours, she entirely went to pieces. All the cargo
was lost. The news of this melancholy event was brought to
Portsmouth by the Leopard. Captain Swinton and several of
the passengers are come home in the Leopard."

There follows a list of those saved. Thirty-four lost, which
includes three cadets, one of whom was Samuel Robert Archi-
bald Swinton, aged fifteen years.

Captain Swinton of the Lady Burgess writes : —

" June 17th 1806.

" My Dear John,

" I got yours last night, most fortu-
nate was it the publick papers did not give you the first
intelligence of our sad disaster. The fault you may be sure
was in the Man of War who convoyed us. He was taking us
to St Jago to water his ship, for we wanted nothing, having

AND PORTRAITS 171

only been twenty days out. Expecting danger we were all
anxiously looking out and following close after the Commodore,
He could not have passed above a ship's length when we struck,
being then in the centre of the Fleet. It was the greatest
mercy the whole Fleet were not lost, many being within hail at
the time. It was two o'clock in the morning ; fifteen minutes
after the ship striking she was full of water, and all hopes of
saving her given over.

" For three hours all hands were on the side of the ship
anxiously expecting day light. Poor Archy was sitting close to
me all the time. We all expected to have been saved by the
assistance of the other ships, but to our mortification at day-
light they were too far to leaward to give assistance in time.
When I had given up all hopes of saving the ship, I ordered
the boats to be got out with officers in each, to keep away from
the ship till day light. With all our exertions we could not
get out our largest boat,

" To prevent the ship falling to pieces we were obliged to
cut away all the masts. This large boat when the ship went to
pieces floated clear through a tremendous surf with about 90
people. With the greatest difficulty we got the women out the
first thing in the morning, after which no boat could come near
the ship. When we first got on shore no surf was visible, there
not being much wind although a heavy sea. Towards day
light the wind increased which raised a tremendous sea. Poor
Archy was sitting close to me when I ordered the boats to
come as near as possible, and advised those who could swim to
make to the boats as the only means of saving their lives. A
young man offered to take Arcby on his back, but he refused.
Scarcely were 20 or SO people safely in the boats when I felt
the after-part of the ship going to pieces. I instantly got hold
of a plank and made my way to one of the boats, at that instant
was it that poor Archie with about 30 more were dashed into
the sea, at this time also the long boat floattd clear. The Man
of War's boats had by this time got to us, and saved 20 people,
mostly from the fore part of the ship, and a few of those washed
from where I was.

172 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

" By ei^ht in the morning not a vestige of the ship was to
be seen.

" Heaven directs our fates. We must not repine. I am
one of those anxious men when near land that I cannot sleep.
This fatal night I slept sounder than ever I did in my life, and
the first shock scarcely woke me. I only escaped in the flannel
dress I in general sleep in when near land. I have some doubts
of going to sea any more. To get poor Archie on would have
been my only inducement. I have now not a soul to interest
me in that line. I hope it was not broke suddenly to your
mother. So worthy and good a boy is seldom to be met with.

" I returned with Leopard Man of War, our convoy. With
respect to fortune I shall not suffer much.

" A. SwiNTON."

John to James, 15th July 1806.

(He discusses whether it is best to send to him or sell a
number of Persian books left by his Father. He decides on the
latter plan, and says : — ) " Whatever sum they will sell for, I
shall make up to a thousand pounds, which I shall remit to you,
and which you must accept from me. ... I beg you may
repeat the commissions you mention as having given me in one
of the lost letters, and be assured that nothing can give me so
TTiuch pleasure as doing anything that may tend to your con-
venience or comfort. Poor Archie, Alas, had taken with him
Watts two books which he intended for you."

From J. S. to James, Shortly after Settling in Broad

Meadows.

9th November 1806."

" You will be happy to hear that I have got back old
Hotspur to end his days here. He looks as fresh as ever. To
see him feeding at the windows, and the old India pictures
hung in the little dining-room, you would suppose yourself at
Kim."

and portraits 178

John to James.

Meadow House, 14th April 1808.

" Your picture not having arrived is rather a disappoint-
ment, but I trust it will come safe in time. My mother is in
Edinburgh, sitting for hers, for you. ... I spent three
weeks of this winter in the midst of the gaieties of Edinburgh,
which has only made me return with double relish to this place.
. . . I can already repose under the shade of trees of my
own planting, having got a present from Sir John Hall of 100
oaks, many of them 30 feet high. ... I shall give old
Hotspur a slice of bread to-morrow with your affectionate
remembrance."

From Mrs Ferguson to her Nephew James.

Meadow House,

7th June 1808.

My Dearest James,

I wrote you two or three in-
coherent lines in Mrs Swinton's tin box, intending to extend a
little when Captain Donald arrived. That is now come to
pass. He stayed much longer in London than he intended or
than we wished, and sore we all wearied for him. But he has
done wonders at last by bringing your precious and much
esteemed gift safe through all its difficulties. Accept my best
thanks, my dear James, both for it and your judicious choice of
a friend to bear it to me. It is most beautiful, rich, and fine !
Just what I could have expected from your elegant taste, which
I well knew. Many a time you jested with people upon presents
from India, but I never had a notion of such a one reaching
me, though I knew your heart which by the bye seems still
improved on that fine soil which happily agrees so well with
your health, in process of time, it will I hope agree as well with
your purse, though we have no reason to think that time is not
yet arrived.

All youths that go to India are needy and awaiting assist-
ance from their friends, but that is not the case with my

174 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

beloved James. His sobriety and good conduct is such that he
pours forth his good things into the lap of his friends, in so
much that I fear he robs himself, though he increases his happi-
ness. You know that was so much my thought that I begged
you to draw upon me if you wanted, but at that time you
declined it. Suffer me now, however, to send you my mite to
assist you in fulfilling your wishes. I am ashamed it is only
£50, a little of my savings which I cannot bestow better. I
have but short time remaining for anything of the kind, and I
entreat you will give it a favourable reception. Our dear Laird
will manage the transmission as he knows how to do all these
things.

It would glad your heart could you see him at Meadow
House, beloving and beloved as a father, a brother, and a son.
All things as right as they can be, a beautiful place abounding
with milk and lioney, the house is such, so handsomely fur-
nished and finished that even Bonaparte would not have the
heart to destroy it. However, I hope he will not get his paws
over it, as they say the Spaniards have plucked up a spirit and
will keep him in play a while, and our brave yeomanry and
soldiers have caught the flame, and we will keep him at bay
till you come back from India and crush him altogether.

I have not yet told you what a disappointment I have met
with in missing Captain Donald by a single day. I arrived at
Meadow House the day after he was there. Mrs Swinton knew
I was coming, and the carriage was to meet me at Aytown, so
there was no time to give me notice of my misfortune. He left
my dear James's gift, though very unwillingly, and in the
handsomest manner told them that you had given him so many
kind things to say to me that he could not report them. I
have this day wrote to him my happiness and my regrets, but
hope as his regiment is stationed at Linlithgow I shall have
the opportunity to hear all how and about you from your kind
friend when I come to town. I must tell you also how much I
am disappointed in your picture not being ready to come by
him, though none of us can find fault, your picture being
imprinted on our memories in the most legible characters. For

AND PORTRAITS 175

my part, I must say that I shall never forget your last looks to
your two sisters left behind at Loretto, and whenever I think of
you, which I must say is very often, those looks present them-
selves in the most lively manner, I am sure you will be
happy to receive your mother's picture, which she sat for
under many disadvantages, but it is a very like picture not-
withstanding.

I need not attempt any domestic news, you have so many
pens at your service, and so much more entertaining than.
. . . I shall only mention those good people of your
acquaintance, who are still kind to me, and whom I love and
you respect. Mr and Mrs Eraser are well, but frail a little as
well they may. I was at his last birthday dinner. He was
that day 80, and sung us a cheerful song in a most animated
manner. Mrs Neil Ferguson has had a daughter married to a
Mr Fraser. She has lately brought him a son, to the great joy
of his father and all concerned. I never saw the old man, but
have a high opinion of him for his conduct to his son, a young
lawyer. He has given him up his estate. Dr Brown, your
acquaintance, is well and thriving, who helped you to revise a
poem you was writing. His character is high, and lately the
"whole profession united in pressing him upon the Provost for
the vacant chair for Logic, but he had vexed a lot of the
ministers by joining Dr Stewart, etc., and writing strongly in
favour of Lesslie, so all his interest of the learned professors and
others were lost and he lost six or seven hundred a year, as Mrs
Pagan tells me he would have made off his class, as he is par-
ticularly fitted for it. I am become extremely fond of his
mother and sisters, who I knew but little when you was here.

Mrs Bendon and the Teviot Row folks are as usual. Miss
Ferguson will never get a husband, she is so fastidious, and it
behoves her not to dissent from Mrs Bendon, who is a particular
character.

To return to yourself. I rejoice you have gone again upon
your surveying business with Major Lambton, of which I see by
some of your letters you were very keen. I shall say but one

176 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

word of myself which you will readily believe, " I am not what
I was 40 summers ago," but ever will remain,

My dear James,

Your most affectionate aunt and grateful friend,

K. Ferguson.

Dr Brown did succeed Dugald Stuart in the Chair of Moral Philosophy.
He was the author of " Emily " and other poems, including the " Repose
of Virtue," which is a tribute to Mrs Ferguson.

The Same to the Same.

Broad Meadows,
24th November 1808.

My Dearest James,

I know that it will delight you to receive an epistle
from me, now a residenter at Broad Meadows, How this is
come about I leave you to find out, but I know you will think
it a proper reward for my active exertions to make the Laird
master of so fine a piece of land — in the very country, too, in
which he most wished to be set down, and a very good figure he
makes in all the departments that now fall to his share. I need
not tell you anything about Meadow House, as you must have
had large communications on that head from so many able pens,
but I may be allowed to speak a word in favour of Broad
Meadows, which is the name of my Farm, which is as yet like
Patie's Lairdship in the Gentle Shepherd, However, if I live
two years there is a park of 17 acres which they are laying down
for me, and I will have cows and calves and sheep and all the
concomitants of a farm — meanwhile I have an excellent, elegant
house, with a well stocked farm-yard behind it, where there is
cattle fattening on turnips, a barn and byres, a thrashing mill,
with four horses driving it, and a great dung-hill, with swine
grunting, geese gabbing, turkeys gullering, with hens to lay me
eggs in plenty, and lest you think me poor I will give you a list
of my Live Stock. 12 turkeys, 12 geese, 40 hens, 8 chickens,
and I really have not counted my ducks yet, but Mrs Swinton
of Swinton has sent me a pair of particular fine ones, and a pig

AND PORTRAITS 177

or shot as they call it, 2 turkeys. And good Mrs Hay's family
have sent me two darling hens. Mrs Hay, alas ! is gone. Oh,
James, what a loss we sustained in her death, and worthy Mr
Hay, but he was full of years and ripe in every good work, but
we little looked for the loss of her whose life was so useful to
her fine family; but happily her son, William, promises fair to
fill their places, and all the rest of the family are excellent, but
in the meantime, I may say, the house is shut up, he being to
go abroad to Spain, they say.

I thank you for the kind intention you had of writing to me,
but I suppose the Fleet sailed before you got it made out. I
was happy, however, to hear you were on the eve of setting out
on your survey, a thing I know you much wished. I hope it
will turn out both pleasant and profitable, at least I am sure it
will heighten your character which is already very great, which
we hear at all hands. This Major Lambton, too, is an amiable
companion, which is a very great matter.

I was treated with a sight of your picture when I came to
Meadow House. It is a beautiful picture, but still we think
that which is engraven on our memory is still better. You must
be improved, no doubt, in four years, and you have agreed with
the climate, and curry and rice has not disagreed with you.
Some gentlemen who saw you lately say it is extremely like ;
be that as it may, I will try to live a few years and judge for
myself, at any rate I have done wonders in holding out so long,
perhaps it is tempting Providence in me to take this step, but
I did it for the best. Had your dear mother and brother and
sisters been constantly here it would have been better, but they
are all going to town for four months to take a little recreation
in the good city of Edinburgh, but that did not deter me as it
suited my scheme to sell my house at this term of Martinmas
in several points. First, I was afraid the property would have
been materially lessened in value by the managers of the Poor
House, and Tom Wood, Sandy's brother, being in a mad house,
or Bedlam, under our nose. Liddell can shake hands with them
over the wall, as they have barricaded the House of Industry
like a prison, and enclosed with a wall parallel with the Town
M

178 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

wall a space of ground for the sad people to walk in under our
eye. Now I have settled this house of mine upon your sisters,
and I could not without concern see it rendered good for
nothing. I did all I could to prevent it, but the President
failed me and gave his consent. They balmed him over, for he
was once as keen against it as Liddell or I was, so I took my
resolution immediately, and sold it before the manoeuvre
intended took place.

I could have borne with anything during my own life, but
it hurt me to think the dear girls was to suffer. I knew it was
not a house that would suit them, and when they came to sell
it, it would have gone for a song. I got eight hundred and
twenty pounds for it. A great deal of money. Now I hope
you will not blame me, and think I have taken a rash resolu-
tion. Had I ever been to submit to a purgatory, the motive
would have exonerated me, but on the contrary, though I have
really left the idle town, which in fact I was tired of, I have
come to a very nice house, with a very beautiful prospect to the
south, within a mile of Paxton. And have brought all my furni-
ture, which sets out the house beautifully.

I came here about a fortnight ago, and your mother has set
me agoing nicely. She has been confined about a month with
the Rose, which settled in her leg, but is now, 1 hope, getting
pure well, and they go to Edinburgh the 15th of next month,
and I will be left with my old servant. Noble, who you will
remember who has been five years with Miss Dundas, who
wished to keep her but she would not stay, and she has shown
her attachment to me by leaving even her mother, and has
come here with me. I have hired a stout lass to keep her easy
and to keep her company, and the Laird has bought me a
parrot to amuse me. Your mother sends me milk till I got a
cow when they go to town, and otherwise gives me all I want.

I think my dear James this is quite a domestic letter, and
I hope you will fancy yourself at Broad Meadows, and whenever
you wish a chat with me take your pen in your baud and make
me supremely happy. I will not conclude without telling you
that I often meet Campbell, your old companion, who always

AND POKTRAITS 179

asks kindly for you. I am vain in giving my accounts of you.
Wood, too, is alive and quite recovered by his father's skill and
his mother's attention after three years confinement. They
never put a name on his illness ; he desired his kindest remem-
brance to you when I wrote. Campbell, too, is a new man. I
think my paper now says I must bid you adieu, which I do in
the kindest manner. I have never seen Captain Donald. He
has always been at Stirling with his Regiment. Your shawl is
very much admired.

I am, yours with great affection,

K. Ferguson.

IgO SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

PART VI.

fN the winter of 1808-1809 the family went to Edin-
burgh, and when there John Swinton became engaged to
Catherine Rennie. They seem to have rented a house
in Queen Street, and she was living in 20 George Street.

She was the daughter of James Rennie, wine merchant in
Leith, whose portrait by Raeburn hangs at Kimmerghame.
He was the son of another James Rennie and Mary, daughter
of Sir Robert Forbes of Auchenhove, and was born 29th
November 1733. He was twice married — 1st to Helenor,
daughter of Sir Hew Dalrymple, and 2nd in May 1782, to
Catherine Mure, daughter of Wilham Mure of Caldwell. He
seems to have lost children in infancy, as there is mention of a
" Mary " being ill of a childish ailment in contemporary letters.
His daughter Catherine was born in 1790, and her certificate of
birth runs thus : —

" Mr James Rannie, wine Merchant in Leith, and Catherine
Mure, his spouse, had a daughter named Catherine, born 6th,
baptised 24th April 1790, by the Rev. Dr Blair, of Edinburgh."

" Witnesses, the Earl of Haddington, General Horn, Thomas
Mure, Esq., and James Mansfield, Esq."

Not long after he lost his wife, who has long suffered from a
lingering illness. His daughter continued to live with him in
Leith, and writes long afterwards :—-

" The children and I had a fine play-day at Leith one day,
and saw the glass house and bottles made. I did feel so queer
in walking about with heaps of children, in the haunts of my
youth ! "

When she was eight years old her father died in September
1798, and from that time she lived with her aunt, Mrs Mansfield,

AND PORTRAITS 181

to whom frequent allusion is made in Catherine's letters under
the name of " Mim." The following letter is palpably in
answer to one from John, requesting permission to see her in
order to make his proposal of marriage. It and the next three
letters from Catherine have no beginning. They are given
complete.

Miss Rannie regrets that an engagement at home prevents
her from seeing Mr Swinton this evening, but she will be at
home to-morrow morning at any early hour he pleases to call.

20 George Street,

January 24th, 1809.

Do not you think that it would be much better for you not
to come here to-night. I confess that I wish you would not —
the people who are to be here are almost strangers to me, and I
must say I should feel very odd and rather disagreeable if you
were here — it would only be to satisfy impertinent curiosity,
which I have no patience with. I have forced my aunt into my
opinion.

Yours most affectionately,

Catherine Rannie.

Saturday, 6 o'clock.

Catherine was left heiress of all her father's fortune, which
included the house No. 20 George Street, in which she dwelt
with her aunt, and it being made a part of the settlement paid
to John on his marriage, he made it over to his mother and
sisters to live in, with the understanding that he and his wife
were to stay with them there when they came to Edinburgh, he
retaining Meadow House for himself and his bride. The follow-
ing are a few of the packet of letters of congratulation received
by Catherine at the time of her marriage : — The first is from
Jemima Blair, who was daughter of Lady Hunter Blair, who
lived in Queen Street, and is often mentioned in Catherine's
letters, and sister of Mrs Mure of Caldwell, whom she calls
" Aunt Mure."

182 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

" Aunt Fred " was Frederica, daughter of Christopher
Metcalfe of Hawsted, Suffolk, and wife of James Mure, brother
of Mrs Mure of Caldwell.

Jane is Mrs Mure of Caldwell's daughter. James Elliot
was Catherine Rennie's uncle by marriage on her father's side,
his wife being a Rennie, and Mrs Mansfield was her father's
sister, Mary Mansfield being her grand-daughter.

From Jemima Blair to Catherine.

(26th Jan.)

I forbore returning to you to-day. I was unwilling again to
agitate you, my beloved girl, yet I cannot leave town without
once more telling you how dearly I love you, and how warmly,
how sincerely, I am interested in your welfare and happiness.
The great and important change that is about to take place in
your situation must be a serious thought to every thinking mind,
yet I bless heaven, my dearest Catherine, you have a prospect of
more happiness than generally falls to our lot in this uncertain
world — the very uncommon, excellent character, principles, and
amiable dispositions of the person on whom you have bestowed
your affections almost assure it. I cannot tell you, my love, how
much I value him, I never saw him really what he is till to-
day. I had quite a delightful interview with him (don't be
jealous), he was so kind, so pleasant. I feel satisfied that he is
worthy of my sweet Kate.

May heaven bless you both, and send you every happiness,
every comfort the world can bestow. Much do I rejoice for the
sake of all his family, and most of all for my much loved, warm
hearted Harriet. The more you know of her and of them all,
all the more you will love and value them. I have also no
small degree of selfish pleasure in the idea that this change in
your situation will make no change in your affection towards
me, who loves you very sincerely. I am extremely sorry,
indeed, to leave you at present, my dear girl, when I feel I
might have been some comfort to you. I could so well enter
into all your feelings. Write to me often. I was grieved that

AND PORTRAITS 183

you were so vexed to part with me., although I was highly
gratified at the same time with your kindness and affection
for me.

I am very uncertain as to the time of my return. Some-
body told me he will come to Perth for me himself. I don't
think I could easily resist such a kind offer, but perhaps my Kate
won't let him. I saw them all to-day, his good excellent mother
wept with joy when she spoke of it. How much must it add
to the many advantages and blessings that await you — the
delight and transport with which you are received among them.
You, my love, are most deserviog of it all ; they will not Jose a
son and brother, but gain an amiable and affectionate daughter
and sister, but I must conclude, my much loved girl.

I shall hope to hear very soon from you. Write me a long
letter, and tell me all you think and feel. I trust we shall meet
ere long,

God blet^s you, and ever ever believe me,

Your attached and unalterable friend,

Jemima H. Blair.

Wednesday, January 26th, 1809.

From "Aunt Fred."

(Feb. 1st, 1809.)

Your letter did, indeed, surprise us extremely, my dear
Catherine, as I confess I had comforted myself with the
assurance of your liberty being in no danger this season. Do
not be alarmed at my saying this, nor think from it that I am
going to reproach you for its not being the truth. Whatever
concerns your happiness, my dear girl, must always be of the
greatest importance to me ; and from what you and Annie say
of Mr Swinton, I hope there is no doubt but that you will be as
happy as you deserve. As you know so well my wishes that
you had not married so soon, that was not to say I rejoice in its
being otherwise, you would not believe me, and as you beg I

184 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

will be very candid, I must say that I wish Mr S. had not
appeared on the tapis for the next two years, and that you had
taken some time to think of it.

As it is, you must make up your mind to give up all the
gaiety, giddiness, and dissipations of youth — and become a
grave, sober, and discreet matron.

Your Uncle desires his love to you, and desires me to say
that whatever conduces to your happiness he must approve of,
and that he is much interested in all that concerns you.
Neither he nor Margaret ever heard of Mr Swinton, nor knew
there was such a being, so Margaret says that unless you send
him up in a bundle for us to look at and examine, we cannot
give you any opinion of him. We have not told either Fred or
Kate, but leave that to you, nor shall I mention it to any one
without your leave.

You have kept this friend very snug, never to have mentioned
him before. Is it the fashion for young ladies in Edinburgh
whenever they are going to be married to give up all going out
and stay at home? Annie says, "you will go out no more this
year." Is it a whim of your own ? If it is the custom of the
country I would not have you break through it, but can only
say I think it a very foolish one. If it is a plan of your own
pray do not follow it, it gives people reason to think (and all
men think so) that the only pursuit a young lady has is to get
a husband, and that having succeeded they are contented and
stop at home.

Now there is something so disgusting and abominable in
that idea that I cannot bear it. A man need not be always at
your elbow at every place, and the conversation upon such
occasions soon subsides. I shall be most impatient, my dear
Catherine, to hear from you again, and hope you will indulge
me with writing. Tell me as to what you mean by giving up
all your friends in Edinburgh. Are you constantly to reside in
the country ? I am afraid you have not made the condition I
ordered you to make with the man you decided upon. Do you
recollect it ?

AND PORTRAITS 185

I want to hear if Mr S. is of any profession, and what his
worldly merits are that entitled him to pretend to you. Pray, my
dear Catherine, indulge me in these questions, and believe they
all proceed from the real afifection and interest we take in you.

You desired me to write by return of post. I only got yours
by the penny post late last night, and I have to-day been
prevented writing by people ever since I came out of my room.
Mr Biggs, Mrs Campbell Ridley, besides others, I denied, and I
am tired to death, and have not had ten minutes to write in.

Adieu, my dear Catherine, and pray, pray, write to me
directly, so anxious am I about you.

Great George Street,
Wednesday night, February 1st, 1809.

(Feb. 1809.)

(From "Aunt Mure.")

Caldwell, Saturday.
Nothing, my dear Catherine, but the suspense and anxiety
I have been suffering about Tom and Capt. Birch should have
so long prevented me from writing you, and I know you would
never attribute my silence to want of affection or of the warmest
interest in whatever so nearly concerns your future happiness.
Though I have not written I have thought much about you,
and the more I think upon the subject, the more cause I feel to
congratulate you upon the choice you have made, which I can
assure you meets with my entire approbation. I have hardly
the pleasure of knowing Mr Swinton personally, but my
intimacy with many of his nearest connexions has made me
well acquainted with his character, and without flattery I may
say that never was one more highly esteemed for every good
quality. From everything I have heard of him, I can only say
that I wish my own daughter may meet with just such another
husband. You have indeed, my dear Catherine, been parti-
cularly fortunate in every respect, not only in the man of your
choice, but in connecting yourself with such an excellent
family. You will find his Mother and sisters everything you
could wish for in such near relations. Mrs Swinton, who is one

186 • SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

of the best of women, will I am sure be to you a kind and
affectionate Mother, and one whose example and advice will be
an unspeakable advantage to so young a wife as you are soon
to become. I am much pleased to find by your letter to Jane
that you feel so properly upon your approaching change of
situation. It is certainly an eventful period in every woman's
life, and one which must call forth much serious reflexion in a
well regulated mind, but you have perhaps less cause for
anxiety than almost any one ever had. In those wicked and
dissipated times, there are few men as much calculated to form
the happiness of a Wife as Mr Swinton, and I have too good an
opinion of you, my dear Catherine, and of the education you
have received to have the least doubt that with such a guide
you will prove an excellent one. I shall not at present say
anything like giving advice, though as a reverend tnatron and
one sincerely interested in your welfare I might be allowed to
offer a little. I have some expectation of seeing you, and
becoming better acquainted with your intended before you are
united, and till then I shall leave a great deal I have to say on
the subject. In the meantime I have only to assure you both
of my best wishes, and to hope that you may enjoy as much
happiness as a married woman as 1 have done for now nearly
eighteen years.

Jane was much flattered with your letter. She had begun
to expect something by not hearing from you so regularly as
usual, and had been questioning Bessie on the subject before
your letter arrived. We have been expecting to hear of or
from you for some days past. Annie might write and tell what
you are all about. Your Uncle talks of being in Edinr. soon,
We have again a dreadful fall of snow, worse than ever I think,
and it all comes from the east, which makes me feel very
anxious to hear how Clemmy gets on. It will be hard if she is
detained with such an anxious mind as she must have at
present. God bless you my dear Catherine. All here unite in
best wishes to Mrs Mansfield and you, and

I ever am, your affectionate Aunt,

Ann Mure.

and portraits 187

From James Elliot and his Wife.

Teviotbank, Feb. 24th.

I have delayed writing you my dear Catherine longer than
I intended, thinking you would be bored with quantities of
congratulations at present, tho' I assure you I am not the less
sincere in my wishes for your happiness, which I think you
have every prospect of. I hear a great deal of your intended;
James was extremely taken with him, but indeed there seems
but one opinion, as he seems to be a general favourite with
every one.

I heard from your Friend Caroline Forbes lately ; she is
returned to Mrs Vaughan's, and when she leaves it is going to
reside for a little while with the Duchess of Atholl ; you are a
great favourite of hers; do you correspond? James has just
come in and insists I will leave the rest of the paper to be
filled up by him, and tho' unwillingly I must submit.

Believe me with every good wish my dear Catherine, most
truly yours,

Caroline Elliot.

There is a pattern of obedience for you — we shall see if you
are as well drilled — when a certain event arrives.

You asked me my dear Catherine to tell you about your
affairs — and I was sorry that your indisposition prevented me
doing personally when I called on you upon Tuesday — and I
wrote you just now in case you should ascribe not having done
it to any wish not to comply with your request.

Your fortune vested in Trustees is better I conceive than
£34,000, of this the Trustees pay over to Mr S. £10,000 (which
includes £6200 vested on you by your Father's marriage Con-
tract), the remainder of the Trust money say £24,000 remains
in the hands of the Trustees till your children arrive at majority
or are married. You and Mr Swinton receiving the Interest of
it in the meantime.

Suppose that you die without any family then Mr Swinton
receives . . . , the Capital of the Trust funds are applied in

188 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

terms of your Father's will £2000 to yr. Uncle Mure family,
2/3 of the remainder to Mr Mansfield Family, and 1// to my
Father's family. Mim enjoying the liferent of the whole.

Suppose you survive Mr S. j'ou have a jointure of £700 p.
an. in case you have no family, together with the interest of
the Trust funds. But if you have a family then your jointure
will be only £500.

The only thing else that occurs to me is That Mr S's. Estate
is settled upon the Sons of this marriage, whom failing the sons
of any other marriage, whom failing the Daughters of this
marriage — now in case of your Daughters being cut out by the
sons of another marriage £5000 of the £10,000 is provided to
your daughters.

Now my Fair Cousin if there is anything else I can inform
you of — or if I have not explained my meaning distinctly —
independent of the pleasure of hearing from you — I shall be
most happy to think I can be of the least use to you, 1 shall
conclude in the words of the Royal Duke,
My dearest dear,

Yours affectionately,

J. Elliot.

P.S. — My Wife orders me to propose that when you return
from London you will probably come down this road, as you
will go up the other. Now if you would just allow yourselves
to suppose that the house is the Green Dragon, the Cross Keys,
any other Inn that you think fit, we as Landlord and Landlady
of the said House of entertainment would demean ourselves in
as civil and discreet a manner as possible, it will be exactly in
your way, and nothing would give us more pleasure.

To John from Catherine Rennie.

4th March 1809,
North Berwick, Saturday.

I had the pleasure of receiving your most welcome letter
this morning, and am rather sorry at the idea of your messenger
returning from the post to-day without a letter, but, indeed, I

AND PORTRAITS 189

could not help it, all that I can do now to make up for it is
your finding this on your arrival in Edinburgh, where, I think
you will be surprised to hear, I am not to be till Tuesday.
Lady Haddington was so anxious for us to remain another day
that I did not like to refuse her.

I am obliged to you for sending me Tytler's letter. I read
it indeed with real pleasure, but the paragraph of his letter to
his wife struck me particularly. The feelings you find so
difficult to express while addressing me for the first time I can
well imagine from what at this moment I experience myself,
but I shall follow your example and not attempt to describe
them. You have often accused me of looking grave and serious,
but at the same time I flatter myself that you are not surprised
I should do so. The great and important change I am so
soon to make, even though it is attended with all the fortunate
circumstances of my happy lot, must, I thick, call forth serious
thoughts in any person's mind who ever thinks at all, yet I
scruple not at declaring myself the happiest of human beings,
and feel convinced that my sentiments never will change, aod
that I never will have cause to repent,

I like this place as well as I can like any place at present.
The weather is not quite so fine as I could have wished it to
be, to-day is cold and disagreeable, but yesterday was most
delightful, and I went and saw the ruics of Tantallon yesterday,
so famed in " Marmion." It is most beautiful, and I had great
pleasure in imagining to myself the place where De Wilton and
Clare met. I had a very kind letter from Mrs Campbell
yesterday. I am glad to hear that you like her, but in my
opinion it is impossible to know her without doing so. Mr
Dalrymple has not been much at home since we came here, he
has been hunting and is soon going to Dunse for that amuse-
ment, and I presumed to request that he would then make
Meadow House his head quarters.

I must now conclude with assuring you how sincerely I am,
With the greatest affection,
Yours,

Catherine Rennie.

190 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

(March 9th, 1809.)

20 George Street, Thursday night,

near 8 o'clock.

Time is a blessing I have no hopes of possessing for some
time to come, so it is useless to wait for that. I am at this
moment anxiously expecting a summons to Lady Blair's, which
I am to receive as soon as my aunt arrives, but I begin to fear
that will not now be this day. I must confess that I admire
your prudence, but I trust that you will find the good effects of
it, and I hope that you will extend it the length of remaining at
home to-morrow also. I was told to-day that I would have to
lay my commands upon you with respect to to-morrow night,
but I think that will not be necessary.

I have indeed agreed to my aunt's plan concerning Wednes-
day night, because I saw very plainly that it was considered the
best one by the wiser powers, and I rather think you were
amongst that class — but as for Saughton, I do not like the idea
of it at all — though you arrange it ever so quietly and pretend
to keep it secret, yet we know things get abroad nobody knows
how, and Saughton being out of the way, it would throw us as
late as we should have been had the other plan taken place — so
if you have no objections let the present one be carried through
in every respect, though the idea of the supper must appear
formidable, yet perhaps I shall not find it so. I approve much
of James Stuart. I always thought he would be the person. I
hope that he will accept. You may certainly write to the Inns
about the horses for Thursday, only they must be earlier than
they would have been on Wednesday.

Believe me,

Yours most truly,

Catherine Rannie.

Note. —Lady Blair is Lady Hunter Blair, whose daughter is Catherine's
"Aunt Mure," viz., Mrs Mure of Caldwell.

James Stuart (son of Sir John of AUanbank) was seemingly best man.

They were married on 15th March 1809 in 20 George Street. They
went to London for their honeymoon, and received the following letter
from Catherine's cousin, Jane Mure.

AND PORTRAITS 191

Queen Street, Thursday,

16th March, 1809.

My Dearest Catherine,

It is with the greatest pleasure
(now the agitation of the marriage being over) that I write to
you, and offer you my most sincere congratulations upon your
present happiness. You have every prospect of being one of
the happiest of human beings, indeed, with such a husband as
you have been so fortunate as to get, you cannot be otherwise.
I cannot tell you, my dear Catherine, what my feelings were
last night when I parted from you, and I daresay you were very
angry at me for behaving so like a fool, but considering all
things I hope you are now quite reconciled to me.

I have great hopes that mine will be the first you will
receive after your arrival at Meadow House, and then I can say
I was the fi.rst person that wrote to Mrs Swinton. I was at
No. 20 just now with Mary Mansfield. All the gloves, &c., are
sent away. Every body is sporting their favours. We are
going to visit the Swintons and the Riddells, who I met with
all their favours on. I was quite happy to see you so gay and
unconcerned at supper. I assure yoa you were very different
from what aunt Clemmy was. I felt a great deal for you before
the ceremony took place, you behaved uncommonly well during
the time of it. When Uncle Forbes came in last night before
he went to Mrs Balfour's ball, he insisted upon having his
gloves and favour ; I put a piece of cake below his pillow, but
have not yet heard what he dreamed about. The basket,
Mary and I have agreed to keep for the next meeting of the
same kind. Give my very best love and kindest wishes to your
husband. Remember my message to Alex. I hope, my dear
Kate, you will write me before you leave Meadow House ;
nothing will give me more pleasure than to hear often from
you, and I sincerely hope you will be at Caldwell in summer.
How delighted I shall be to see you again.

I hear you did not go away to-day till 8 o'clock.

192 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I must now bid you adieu, my dear Catherine. Everybody
here join with me in kindest love to Mr Swinton and you.
Ever believe I remain with the sincerest affection,
Your most attached friend,

Jane Mure.

From Mary Mansfield.

George Street, 18th March, 1809.

My Dearest Catherine,

I may now wish you joy, joy
which my tongue refused to pronounce on Wednesday, and
which I can scarce even now think on without playing the
infant ; and you well know that my wishes for your happiness
are not the less fervent.

Your happiness is now secure, blest in the affections of the
husband of your choice, a man every way worthy of you. What
more can your friends desire than that, therefore, my dearest
Catherine, when a little time has elapsed, and I have reconciled
myself to your absence, the full conviction that you are per-
fectly happy will make me so too. My grandmother was more
dead than alive last night, she was so completely knocked up,
but I hope to find her better presently. We must make up to
her as far as in our power for your loss, but never will she find
another Catherine.

Will you give my love to my cousin, and thank him from
me for the beautiful present I received from him on Wednes-
day, and which my tongue would not let me do on Wednesday,
as from the natural perverseness of the sex it always refuses to
speak when I wish it.

I saw Mrs Swinton and all your sisters at the Assembly last
night, it was a most uncommon good one. I had the honour of
dancing with Colonel Stuart, and to your astonishment be it
told he came home and supped with us. John and I went and
asked every body we could get, and to Mamma's consternation,
who only knew of the Colonel and Jane Brown, thirteen people,
all gentlemen except Lady Gordon and Bessy, walked into the

AND PORTRAITS 193

room after us. We did great honour to the former, as we not
only paraded them at the Assembly but the whole forenoon in
the streets.

My mother begs her love and congratulations to Mr Swinton
and you, and bids me also remind you that in the hurry of
the last two days you forgot to let her know about the satin,
and therefore she begs you will let me know what she is in
your debt, and she will send you the money to London. I find
in looking over this letter I am not pleased at it. I have
jumbled my terms together without expressing my feelings as
I could wish, but you, my dearest Catherine, will excuse me.

You promised me a few lines before you left Meadow House.
I expect them with impatience. All here join me, my ever
dearest Catherine, in sincere and ardent wishes for yours and
Mr Swinton's happiness.
And believe me.

Ever my dearest Catherine,

Your tenderly attached friend,

Mary Mansfield.

From "Aunt Mure."

Caldwell, March 28th, 1809.
I received your kind and excellent letter, my dear Catherine,
some days before I left Edinr., and can assure you I feel much
gratified by the affection you express towards me, and the con-
fidence you seem to have in my anxiety for your wellfare. You
do me no more than justice. I loved and valued your amiable
Mother not only for herself, but as the favourite sister of my
husband, and it would have been strange indeed had I not
a warm interest in her only child. That interest and affection,
my dear Catherine, I may without flattery say you have never
done any thing to lessen, and I am confident never will, and I
am sure were you my own daughter I could not feel more
satisfied than I now do at the fair prospect of happiness which
lies before you. As to the claim you make upon me for
continuing to give you advice and telling you if I disapprove of
any part of your conduct, we shall settle all that when we meet.
N

194f SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

I gave you a large doze of it before you were a wife, but now
you must apply to your husband, who you will always find your
best guide and adviser ; however, as he may perhaps be blind to
your faults, if I see any thing very wrong I may perhaps assert
my parental authority again. In your household affairs you
will receive so much good instruction from Mrs Swinton before
I see you that I shall expect advice from you. Harriet told me
the day before I left Edinr. that Mr Swinton had some expecta-
tion of getting Paxton, and had been making enquiry about it.
I am very anxious to know what has been the result of these
enquiries, and whether you are likely to succeed. It is by all
accounts a most desirable place. We returned to Caldwell on
Saturday, and found all the children in perfect health, much
pleased with your remembrance of them, and asking a thousand
questions about you and your husband, whom they are most
impatient to become acquainted with. I brought both Catherine
and Anne home with me, and Flora and Tommy Mure are still
here, so that we have a large party of Children. You need not
be very much surprized if you see your Uncle some time soon
in London. He is talking of going up to see what William is
about, which I believe most people will think but a foolish
errand, when he saw him here so lately. He is not yet deter-
mined however. I hope you will see William's son, and write
me all about him. By the bye, he will be in George Street for
the Easter Holidays by the time this letter reaches you.

Adieu My dear Catherine, I shall not occupy any more of
your time at present, which I dare say you have very sufficient
employment for without reading letters. Jane thanks you for
yours, and will write you very soon. I enclose your letter, as
you desired, to Blytheswood, and in yours I enclose one to
Clemmy, which I beg you will give her. In her last she spoke
of changing her lodgings, so I am not sure how to direct it, but
you will find out where she is. My husband and children unite
with me in most affectionate wishes to you and your beloved,
and believe me ever, my dear Kate,

Your truly affectionate Aunt,

Ann Mure.

AND PORTRAITS 195

The Bride and Bridegroom returned to Meadow House in
April, and from there Catherine wrote to her husband who has
gone to Edinburgh.

Meadow House,
Monday, May 29th, 1809.

It is with the greatest pleasure, my dearest and best beloved
husband, that I now sit down for the first time to address you
as such, particularly as I have it in my power to communicate
as much satisfaction to you as we experienced last night, being
Sunday, on Kate's Receiving a long letter of ten pages from
James. It is sent in two packets addressed to Blythswood at
Arch. Swinton's — so you will receive them at the same time
with this. I hope Blythswood will not have left Edinburgh
that he may see it, but we thought it best to direct it to 33
that you might receive it. One of the covers also contains a
letter to you from Tytler — the contents of which Harriet and I
are very anxious to know — she wonders what apology he will
make for never answering her letter. Harriet had also a letter
last night from Mrs (I mean Lady) Nicholson, dated the 18th
October, which is a little later than James's, whom she mentions
being quite recovered.

It is wished that you could discover who the Mrs Tait and
Mr Brown (who married Miss Williamson of Edinburgh) are,
who have both been so kind to James. Perhaps you may dis-
cover them through the medium of Mrs Tait, the writer, and
Dr Brown.

I hope you made out your journey in safety yesterday.
What time did you get to town ? I am sorry for Mr Pitt and
his visitors, if the weather be as bad with you to-day as it is
here, it has rained all night and still continues to do so. We
meant to have gone to Berwick and Foulden to-day, if it had
been fine. I suppose you will be enjoying yourself in the
theatre during your stay : do not be surprised if you see the
whole family from the Meadows arrive some of these days, as
they hear both Mrs Jordan and Mrs Siddons are coming down,
and if that is the case they all mean to break their bonds.

196 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

If you have time I wish you would call at Lady Gordon's
in Charlotte Street. I had a very kind letter from Mary last
nio-ht. I hope you found Mim and Sir in perfect good health,
remember me in a proper manner to them both. We are all in
as good health as when you left us. I assure you that I include
myself with sincerity, but it would make you a great deal too
vain were I to tell you how much I miss you, even if I could
find words to express it, which I confess would be difficult.

Remember we shall send to Berwick on Wednesday, perhaps
by that time your India letter will be arrived.

All here unite with me in love to you, remember me to all
who enquire for me.

And believe me, my dearest John,

Yours, with the most sincere affection,

Catherine Swinton.

From the Same to the Same.

Meadow House,
Wednesday, May 31st, 1809.

I am so very impatient, my dearest John, for Robert
Pinkerton's return from Berwick, that I can hardly allow
myself time to give you an account of some marvellous
adventures that happened to us yesterday. We were not a
little astonished by receiving a play bill from Hutton on
Monday with a long account of the performances of last night
only — consisting of a select folio containing the most interest-
ing scenes taken from the admired Tragedy of Douglas, The
Gentle Shepherd, Several Favourite New Songs, with the
farce called Fortune's Frolick or the Clown made a Lord.
Boxes Is. Pit 6d., and soliciting the favour of our patronage in
such an urgent manner that to refuse them was impossible. So
last night attended by John Hosick and John Simpson we
repaired to Mr Dunbar's low room, which was fitted up in the
most fashionable theatrical manner, the performers though not
numerous were very select, as they consisted of two — a man
and his wife — who played Lady Randolph and young Nerval in

AND PORTRAITS 197

a most masterly style, but I shall defer giving you a more
particular account till we meet, but shall only mention that I
happened to sit next a very polite young farmer, with whom I
had a great deal of edifying conversation. He seemed much
surprised at some of my shrewd observations on the art of
improving and draining land — on my knowledge of the trees
and my true description of fallow.

I ought first to have mentioned that we began the day also
with dissipation, as we paid a visit at Foulden and then went
round by Berwick, where we paid a visit to " Bruce, my darling "
— shopped, and heard a good deal of news of which the most
important is that there is to be a Ball at Berwick on the 4th of
June (Sunday), to which we are all determined to go, so you
had better bring out a pair of pumps. We promised your com-
pany to the Forfarshire, and Maria is engaged to Sir George
Ogilvy for the first dance.

This summer has been of very short duration as winter is
already begun. The weather is as cold as possible, we do
nothing but shiver over the fire, and Cheviot is covered with
Snow again.

There are three letters lying for you here, but we do not
think it worth while to send them to you — one is from
Hepburn, whom I suppose you would see on Monday. Your
India letter is not yet come. I hope you got the two packets
safe yesterday. Pray give my love to " Mim," and tell that I
should have written to her by this time, but dissipation and
business have prevented me. I am perfectly well, and will
meet you at Ayton on Friday at twelve o'clock with more
transport than I can possibly describe.

I hope most sincerely that nothing will prevent you being
there likewise — in the meantime with love to you from all here,

I am, my dearest, best beloved John,

Yours with true a£fection,

Catherine Swinton.

198 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

June 1st, 1809,

Thursday night.

No triumphs of temper my dearest John ever exceeded
those which I experienced at this moment, when John Simpson
has declared that it is not possible to cross the river, therefore
he must go round by Berwick, and I am advised not to go. I
confess I agree with very ill will, but I cannot help myself.
Do not be insulted with the chaise coming. I am in too bad a
humour, and too disappointed to write, so good night my
dearest— thank heaven this is the last night.

Yours most truly,

Catherine Swinton.

Note. — Charlotte and Margaret Elliot were her cousins of the
Wolflee family. John Hosick is the factotum at Meadow House.
Catherine has gone to Edinburgh to stay with her Mother-in-law,
" Mama," to await her confinement.

The aunties are the Miss Campbells, with whom John and his sisters
are staying.

George Street,
November 17th, 1809.

My Dearest John,

I suppose you expect to hear that we are all as
well as can be expected in our state of solitude, and keeping up
our spirits as well as we can — so you will be surprised when I
tell you that our gaiety exceeds all description, one or other of
the family have received eight invitations since your departure,
and it was near twelve o'clock last night when the two cats
returned from a rout, or rather riot, at Mim's, where the party
consisted of Bob Anderson, Charlotte and Margaret Elliot, and
Lady Elphinstone who are in town for a few days. Single Kate
first dined out at General Dundas's, where you are engaged to
dine next Thursday, and I ventured last night to promise that
we would dine with Bob Anderson on Saturday the 25th. To-
night we have a rout at home, and to-morrow a dinner party, so
I hope the unsentimentality of my conduct will not shock you.

I am at a loss this moment whether to regret your present

AND PORTRAITS 199

absence, or to be grateful that it so seldom happens — the last
feeling ought to be uppermost, though, I am ashamed to say, I
cannot say it is. I trust nothing will delay your return longer
than Wednesday, sooner I do not expect you, in the meantime
I do hope you will be as punctual to your promise as I have
been, and that I shall hear from you to-morrow.

There was a letter arrived for you this morning from John
Hosick, which I took the liberty to open as they said a man
was waiting, he turned out to be a Daniel Ross, who had been
employed for three weeks past in quarrying for Hutton Mains,
and there was £2, 5s. of his wages due to him, which John
desired you to pay, therefore as he was going to Aberdeen
immediately I paid him.

I do not think there is anything worthy of record in John's
letter, it is chiefly about the roof of the old and new stable,
which you are to judge of yourself when you see fit.

Mama is almost quite well, and was down to breakfast this
morning ; as for my ladyship I am as well as when you left this,
and have faithfully obeyed your injunctions with respect to
walking, though yesterday and the day before were so bitter
cold that we both wept bitterly, and nothing but a sense of
duty could have induced us to remain above a minute. To-day
I am going out with John Simpson to sport upon the South
Bridge. The horse was out in the breaking carriage all yester-
day and was perfectly quiet, and the half guinea was given to
the coachman as you desired.

As for the abstracting, it comes on very slowly, though those
months I have finished agree exactly with the sum total of
yours. I shall be quite anxious till you inspect it, but it will
not be finished. I am quite glad that you have had such fine
weather. I have not got a single word of news to tell you.

Mama and Katie join with me in kindest love to our aunties,
uncle, and Harriet, Maria and yourself, and I need not assure
my dearest John how sincerely I am,

His most affectionate,

Catherine Swinton.

200 swinton family records

From the Same to the Same.

George Street, Sunday, Nov. 19th.

I had the pleasure of receiving your shabby half sheet
yesterday, my dearest John, and you need not desire a greater
proof of my good nature, obedience, and all the rest of the
necessary virtues, than after receiving such a return to the
volume I wrote to you on Friday, sitting down again so willingly
to comply with your desires, I hope it will reach Walkinshaw
to-morrow. I am half afraid that you may be obliged still to
sleep with Miss Jeannie, and that we shall not have the happiness
of meeting till Thursday. We sent to the post this morning,
hoping that the Misses might yesterday have given us an
account of their ball, but I suppose they were too much
fatigued.

Our gaiety still continues. I was again at Mim's last night,
and you are engaged to two more dinners — Sandy Maconochie's
on the 24th, and Henry Jardine's on the 80th. Mama con-
tinues better, coughs very little now, but has not ventured out
yet, indeed the weather is so bitter cold, that those people are
but too happy who can get leave to stay in the house, as I am
not one of those happy few I continue regularly to do penance
every forenoon.

There was a letter yesterday to Mrs Trotter from Flushing,
where Lady Steuart was arrived. She had borne her journey
wonderfully, had travelled generally forty miles a day, and, if
anything her cough was rather better. The Sheriff and Mrs
Swinton came on Thursday, we saw her yesterday. He
went immediately to Saughton. She does not seem at all
pleased with the house in Buccleuch Place, which they have
taken possession of. The Hepburns went to Woodburn
yesterday.

I hope I shall hear from you to-morrow or Tuesday. I
suppose you will mention whether John Simpson is to meet
you at West Craigs or Uphall on W^ednesday. I must now
bid you adieu till then.

AND PORTRAITS 201

Mama and Kate join with me in kind love to Harriet and
Maria, and all at Walkinshaw,

And I remain, my dearest John,

Yours most affectionately,

Catherine Swinton.

The next letter alludes to the death of Lady Steuart of
Allanbank, whose weak state is mentioned in last letter.

The " sentiment you will easily enter into," refers to John's
engagement in previous years to Lady Steuart's daughter who
died.

The Same to the Same.

George Street, Sunday,

December 3rd, 1809.

Before this reaches you, my dearest John, you will probably
have heard the melancholy intelhgence which we only heard
last night. As yet we have heard no particulars. The accounts
came in a letter from poor Sir John himself to Mr Marjoribanks.
All we know is that her sufferings terminated this day week
with an inflammation on her bowels. James had left them and
had gone to London, but it is to be hoped had proceeded no
farther, that he might return to them immediately. No one
can regret for herself that she has lingered no longer, on the
contrary we should rather rejoice that she is at last enjoying
the reward of all her virtues. But can you imagine a more
forlorn family. I wonder whether they will return to Allan-
bank immediately or not. I must be interested in the fate of
every friend of yours, my beloved John, but in that of Lady
Steuart I cannot describe to you how much I feel from a senti-
ment you will easily enter into. You will pay a melancholy
visit at Manderston, as if you have seen the newspapers you
will perceive the name of poor Dalhousie Tait amongst those
killed in Lord Collingwood's engagement, and the Lieutenant
Tailour who had the command of the boats and is wounded, is
poor Peggy's nephew.

There was a report in town yesterday that the four last

202 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

missing India ships were heard of in company with the fleet
which is daily expected, Blytheswood came to town yesterday,
we saw him at night. lie goes away on Thursday, so you will
just miss him. He has his installation dinner on Friday.

I am sorry to say that Harriet's cold is still far from well.
She coughs a great deal, and is still very hoarse, but I think
she is rather better to-day. I acted the part of Miss Rannie
yesterday, and dined tete a tete with Mim, who was vastly
agreeable, but I could not help the rest of the evening from
reflecting with gratitude on the happy change which had taken
place in my situation since this time last year.

I shall be quite impatient for your letter to-morrow. I
have done nothing but think on the cold and want of comfort
you would encounter. I trust you made out your journey well.
Remember and mention whether you wish the Maids to meet
you or not. Tell John Hosick that since the Millar's turkies
are not ready yet, and since he says that turkies are very good
and cheap in Berwick, that he is to get two there for Mama,
immediately, and send them in by any carrier this week — now,
impress this week upon his mind, as there is to be a dinner
here on the 11th, and tell somebody to get a parcel from the
Edinburgh Carrier the first day they are in Berwick, which tell
Mrs Esten to open, as it is the cloth I wrote to her about.

Now I have said all that I have got to say, which I must
confess is a strange medley. Take care of yourself, my dearest,
and if possible do not bring a cold with you to town. All join
in love to you

With your most affectionate

Catherine Swinton.

From Catherine to her Husband.

George Street,
Tuesday, December 5th, 1809.

Kate and I dined with Uncle and Aunt Mure yesterday,
and stayed till eleven. There was nobody there, and it was

AND POETRAITS 203

alledged that you would be found on Thursday suspended half
way between the two magnets of your farm and your wife. . . .
On the 14th December her eldest daughter Catherine was
born. There are now three Catherines — Catherine Rennie,
her sister-in-law usually called Kate, and little Catherine.

George Street, Thursday,
February 1st, 1810.

My Dear John,

It is no very common thing for wives to praise their hus-
bands, but nobody knows how much I think of mine. . . .

Written to Meadow House, Feb. 2nd, 1810.

George Street, Friday.

What can be the reason my dearest John that I have not
heard from you to-day. I cannot tell you how uneasy I am at
your silence, and if I were to allow myself, could fancy a
thousand disagreeable things. Some of the family think that
you have written and sent it by James Steuart, who is to be in
town to-day, they suppose, but I do not think that like you,
and in short I am quite in a fidget and do not know what to
think, and if I do not hear to-morrow, I think I will set out
and see what you are doing.

The operation is performed upon our darling's arm, and it
really was nothing at all. She just cried a little at the moment,
and was quiet immediately after. It will be four or five days
before they know whether it has succeeded. I trust it will.

Our party went ofi" yesterday as well as it could do without
you, but your place was really well filled by John Forbes, who
was in great glee and uncommonly facetious and agreeable.
He said he expected to hear from you to-day, but I trust he has
not, as if I thought he had, and poor me disappointed, I should
be quite angry, not that I would either, for at present I should
be delighted to hear from anybody that you were well, and no
unpleasant circumstance the cause of your silence, such a fool
am I. If you have not had the sense to send and tell the

204 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Postmaster you are at home, I expect to see the long letter I
wrote to you yesterday returned here to-morrow, as there is a
letter come to you from Berwick to-day, which I am sure was
from Archie Swinton, so I venture to open it (cio you forgive
me ?) and now transcribe it :— " I will try to get the opinion
from Mr Matthew Ross in time to send to you ; but might you
not in the meantime, and in case it should be got, desire Hosick
to inform Craig that it is a matter of law of that kind which
you left me to settle with Mr Thomson, his man of business."

Betsey Riddell has just called to say they have a letter
from the Major, and they are to buy Mr Milne's house imme-
diately.

If I do not hear from you to-morrow I shall be quite
miserable, both on your account and also on James Steuart's,
but I hope the best. We are all well, God bless you my
dearest John,

Yours most affectionately,

Catherine Swinton.

From Mrs Ferguson to James in India.

February 3rd 1810.
The last time I had the pleasure of addressing my dearest
James, was from Meadow House, December 1808. I was then
just arrived at Broad Meadows after having sold my house in
Teviot Row, which on many accounts I was tired of; but I had
chosen a wrong time for my removal. The winter came on
uncommonly severe, which entirely confined me to the house
without a soul near me. All the Meadow House family having
gone to Edinburgh for four months. And such mountains of
snow, that I could not stir over the door. It was books, " the
wale of books," * that kept me alive, though I had near been
starved for want of coals. The bridge near Berwick to the coal-
hill being carried ofi, I was three weeks without them, living
upon our dear John's roots of hedges, which his manager sent

* Wale is ancient Scotch for abundant choice, as Dean Ramsay's
" There's nae wale o' wigs on Munrimmon Moor."

AND PORTRAITS 205

down in carts to me. Before he went away, he had kindly
pressed me to come up if I found Broad Meadows too cold for
me, but alas, they had no coals either, and at any rate the
house without its inhabitants would not have warmed my kind
heart, but they could do no more !

They spent a merry winter in Queen Street, the result of
which will have reached you from so many willing and able
pens that nothing is left for me to say, except that your dear
brother has been as lucky as he deserved, and to borrow a
paragraph from Mr Keith's letter to me on the occasion : — " I
am at a loss to say which has been the most fortunate." In
one word, she seems pointed out by Providence for a reward to
him for all his kind and duteous deeds to his father and mother
and his family. She loves him and has preferred him at once
to all her other suitors, for she had many, and was possessed
withal of a good portion of the one thing needful in this mortal
world, but that inferior consideration I will not touch upon.
Mr Anderson, the bearer of this, will tell you she has brought
him a fine little girl — a Catherine Swinton, who he saw in her
arms, a thriviDg little creature, the picture of her mother, and
no doubt like John, too, though the female predominates ; but
I expect a dear little Archibald Swinton next, and am living
for that purpose, if it please God to grant my prayer.

I have taken an excellent house in George Street for three
years, and if I survive that period perhaps I may live till you
come home for a visit if all bowls roll right, only you will be
shocked at the ravages time has made on me, but be assured
my heart is the same, and all your own !

It is time to mention a circumstance which has interested
all the world, and more particularly those who have friends in
India, to whom is promised such serious consequences to
individuals, though our firm reliance upon your good sense
and good principles made us rest assured you would not
implicate yourself in anything against your faith to the
Government and attachment to your king; and though we
have no assurance to the contrary, we still rest in the hope
that James Swinton is clear !

206 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

What a sigual misfortune has attended poor General
Macdowal, for we cannot now doubt he has perished in the
Lady Jane Dundas, the very ship that landed you in India,
though a different captain, Lindsay having given it up. Sorry
will you be for him and all concerned with him in that business.
Thouo-h we are much in the dark as to particulars — Government
having thrown a veil for the present upon all their proceedings,
and all letters, we have every reason to think, that touched
upon the individuals have been suppressed, which accounts in
great measure for the shortness of yours to Mrs Swinton, dated
in May; though we have had much later accounts of you,
though not from your own hand, and the number of ships that
are now supposed to have perished is another cause of our
getting so few. God support the unhappy relatives of those
that have been wrecked. Many worthy characters are gone.
Poor Colonel Orr, his wife and family, and many others ! Oh,
if it is ever decreed that you are to be permitted to come home
and take a peep at your friends here, be upon your guard what
ship you come in, see that it has a compliment of good sailors
that are able to contend with storms, not Lascars, who have no
strength in them, which has been the ruin of many of those
that are amissing.

I send this letter by a young gentleman of only fifteen
years, who has had his education at Woolwich, and has passed
his tryals at the Indian House, and is now appointed to a
Regiment of Engineers. He goes out, I believe, in the Atlas,
though I am not sure of the name. He is a son of my old
friend in Teviot Row, Miss Susy Hamilton, who married a
Mr Patrick Anderson, who is lately dead, a very worthy young
man and much respected — a writer who went into the volunteers,
which he was forced by his surgeon to leave, as he was not able
for it. He died in ten days, just when this, his eldest son, was
ready to take his flight into the world. He got leave to come
down and take leave of his mother, who is left with five to
rear. She has an elder sister who was a kind of heiress, had
five thousand pounds, and married a Mr Dinwoodie, a Man-
chester merchant, where she has resided ever since. It was

AND PORTRAITS 207

upon her marriage that Mrs Anderson gave me a present of
the famous rose linnet that you may have heard me speak of.
It was so fond of me, that poor Mr Ferguson used to say be
died of jealousy, I having taken two other birds into my
protection.

I am very anxious for this young man, and if you can be of
any use to him, either by advice or otherwise, it will make me
happy, and you may drop me a line how he goes on. Mrs Din-
woodie has a son some years older than him, who has been in
India some time, but I know nothing of him. I'm sure
Anderson's parents have done their best to instil good principles
into his heart. She has another son and two daughters.

You will wonder I have never yet got sight of Captain
Donald, who brought me the beautiful shawl you sent me, but
we missed one another upon the road, and since I came to
town he has been at a distance with his regiment. If ever we
do meet, I shall endeavour to fulfill your wishes. I don't
recollect if I told you that I had got my old servant. Noble,
back again. She went out to Broad Meadows with me. I
always repented that I had parted with her. She is an honest
creature, and though she knows her value, I will keep her as
long as she will stay with me.

February 20th, 1810.
The foregoing sheet as you will see was written near three
weeks ago, but I delayed finishing it in hopes of getting letters
from you, which has been amply fulfilled by copious arrivals to
all the family, which have been communicated to me among
the rest. I have been favoured with yours dated July, wherein
you mention having received mine from Broad Meadows. Alas !
you will have heard how that scheme ended, and behold me
now in 32 George Street, to which you may in future address
your letters to me. I got out of that scrape with very little
loss not having taken any farm for various reasons, and our
dear director, Father John, with his usual kindness having
furnished me with his carts to and from the river Tweed.

208 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I thank you for your kind wishes about parrot, but take no
thought about sending him, only when you come yourself bring
him with you. He will be much thought of for your sake by
those that I will leave behind me. I must now tell you that
I really wear well, though most naturally I am much weaker,
but do more than my strength will permit. But the great
exercise I take I believe keeps me up. I am sorry Robert
Swinton's health does not agree with India. I hear he is well,
but is coming home. You will know more of the rest of the
brothers than I do, William is a fine creature, but I know
little of George. All friends are well here. That you know of
Mrs Bendon and Miss Ferguson in Statu quo, I keep out of
debt though times are so hard that I have little to offer those
friends I regard and I think need it, though you never com-
plain. I rejoice that by your letters we see that all our hopes
of your being free of the infection or rather mania that has
pervaded many a worthy man has not touched you. I must
not omit telling you your friend Doctor Brown is making a
great figure, giving lectures on Moral Philosophy for Dugald
Stuart with great applause. Poor Stuart has met with a great
grief in the loss of his son, a fine youth. I daresay Brown will
succeed him if he pleases to accept of it, if it is compatable
with his agreement with Doctor Gregory whose partner he is in
one share of his business — his foreign and home written
opinions, which Brown writes and they both sign after having
digested them together, as Gregory writes in a printed letter he
has sent to all his correspondents.

Your rector, Mr Adams, is dead, a very worthy man and a
sincere lover of all young men of genius, among which he
reckoned you, and never failed asking for you every time I met
him ; and I am told he kept a register of every one of those in
his class that he approved of, and their destinations and how
they were doing. The loss of a son hurried him at the last,
poor man, who was in some of our late expeditions.

Anderson is gone to London without my letter, and I
believe it will come by a Mr Robuck, who has been publishing
a dictionary of the Hindostan language, whom you know. He

AND PORTRAITS 209

seems a very good young man, and I daresay is studious and
innocent withal. I used to meet him at the Miss Buchan's,
the Chamberlain's daughter, who you will remember, who gave
me the crystal decanters, a grateful present for Mr Ferguson's
kindness to Miss Margaret. They are my neighbours in
Hanover Street. Their brother, Doctor Buchan, has acquired a
great character abroad and at home too. He behaved extra-
ordinarily well in Egypt in the Hospitals, where he twice had
the plague, and sent out all the young surgeons, and took the
whole upon himself. He received the thanks of the Com-
mander in Chief and the offer of a considerable sum of money,
which he rejected — saying he had done nothing but what was
his duty. Since that he has been home, and was sent out to
Gibraltar, and has recovered from a severe fever, where three of
his most intimate friends died. He has been sent home to
Lisbon for the recovery of his health. He is now well, and
seems preserved for the good of his fellow-creatures. Mr
Robuck will tell you the particulars, for he is intimate with the
Miss Buchans.

And now, my dear James, farewell. May every good thing
attend you.

Always your ever affectionate aunt and affectionate friend,

K. Ferguson.

This and the following letters to the end of Part IV. are
From Catherine to her Husband.

George Street, Sunday,

February 4th, 1810.

My Dearest John,

Yesterday I had the pleasure of
receiving your long letter which I suppose the terrible water
had not allowed Charles to put in the post on Thursday, and
this morning I got your second one. I could almost greit at
the difficulties and dangers you experienced in your journey,
and the only thing that comforts me is the thoughts of the
o

210 SWINTON FAMILY EECORDS

sleep you enjoyed afterwards. James Steuart must know what
yon suffered in his service, for as yet I do not think he is
sensible of the inconvenience you put yourself to, unless John
Forbes has told him. I wonder what the people thought of
your anxiety to see him. It will be reported all over the
country that you came from Edinburgh on purpose to fight
him, but the terrible water happily prevented your meeting. I
never will waste my pity again upon him. I cannot describe
my astonishment at seeing him yesterday morning in the
greatest glee, and looking as well as ever ; he is certainly a
strange character. After all, I am convinced it will be Miss
Elliot, he has got in with her again. He has just sent to know
if a letter will reach you at Meadow House to-morrow, which I
answered in the affirmative. I am rather provoked with him,
when I think of what you endured on Wednesday night, but
this delightful weather in the country will reward you. I think
that it is a great pity for you to come in so soon, unless Steuart
wants you, but when you do come, pray post it, and do not
come in any of your fly's and be arriving at any outlandish
hour. I shall expect to hear on Tuesday when you are to
return.

Our little darling is more delightful every day. I think
you will see a great change on her. Her arm is not troubling
her at all, and she is perfectly well. I hoped to have
had the job over in your absence, but I see that it will be
hardly begun, therefore I wish that you would stay away all
this week.

I am glad that John Hosick has made so much money for
you, and that his wife is so well.

All here join in kindest love to you with

Your most affectionate

Catherine Swinton.

You know that all plans about Alderston are at an end for
the present, as Mr Stewart is not at home.

AND PORTRAITS 211

George Street, Tuesday,

My Dearest John, February 6th, I810.

I have this moment yours of yesterday, and
notwithstanding that I counselled you to remain all this week,
I will not deny that I was a good deal disappointed that we
are not to meet to-night, and the intelligence has rather spread
a universal gloom, as Mama had invited Sir John and Lady
Frances Riddell to dine here on Friday, and without you to
hear the secrets of your dear friend, what will be done. Is it
impossible for you to be in on Friday by dinner time ? I know
you would if you could. Mama does not like to press it, but
1 think she wishes it ; however, we can do very well without
you, so do not hurry yourself or put yourself to any
inconvenience.

I am very glad you are to stay so long, as our darling's
arm will be quite well, and you will be saved all anxiety.
Mr Bryce thinks she has taken it, she has not been at all
uneasy yet, and I do not think that you would know her
now. She laughs and talks a great deal, and really notices.

I am sorry for poor Cockburn, it will indeed be a serious
concern if you get all that farm into your own hands too, and
if you wish to be there sooner than the 3rd of March, remember
that I am ready, but that really appears so near, that I had
some thought yesterday of beginning to pack immediately.
The Misses and I are rather enraged that you should entertain
such a base opinion of us as to think it necessary to tell us
how to behave concerning Steuart's affairs. We have not seen
him again, but we heard from the Riddells that on Sunday
he was in the most frantick spirits, and yesterday as much
the reverse, in great anxiety about his father, whom I suppose
you know has been ill again. They asked Harriet if she did
not think he paid a great deal of attention to Emilia Cuming.
He was to be in Charlotte Square at a great squeeze last night,
and Maria and Kate are to drink tea there privately to-night.
I wonder if he will be there. I should just like to know
whether it is decidedly at an end. I cannot help suspecting
that it is not, or he could never be in such spirits.

212 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

We are all quite well except Harriet, who has still so much
remains of cold that Mama made her put on another blister on
Sunday, which I trust will clear her quite.

Mama begs that you would desire two turkeys to be sent in
bv the earliest carrier next week, and also to ask Mrs Graham
if she has any more fowls to send at the same time. You do
not mention whether you ever got my Friday's letter, which
you ought to have had on Saturday. I shall write at any rate
on Thursday, unless I hear from you on that day that you
mean to be in on Friday, but pray when you do come, to post,
and not be spending a whole day at Ayton in expectation of
the Union or Mail. Those tricks might do for a Batchelor, but
do not accord at all with the dignity of a Papa. I drank tea
last night with Mary Mackenzie at her own house, but have
committed no other sort of excess in your absence. Your
daughter has got an invitation to the Miller's ball, which she
would have had great pleasure in accepting, as there is nothing
she is so fond of as music and dancing, but she is afraid her
Papa and Mama will carry her to the country before the day.

Adieu for the present, Yours most truly,

Catherine Swinton.

George Street, Thursday,

February 8th, 1810.

My Dearest John,

I had yours of yesterday, and am quite con-
vinced that it is impossible for you to leave the country at this
present time; indeed, I almost expect that your next will
contain an order for me to join you immediately. I am really
sorry for Cockburn, bat glad to think you will be no loser by
him. You horrid man, to think those subjects uninteresting
to me.

You would get my last yesterday, but we have no hopes,
nor do we wish that you should be melted by the state we
stand in concerning Sir John Riddell. We shall do vastly
well without you. We have got my Uncle to supply your
place. I invited James Steuart to that office, which he
considered a great honour, but could not accept.

AND PORTRAITS 213

It appears to me about a month since you went away. I
cannot express how I am longing to see you, it is the longest
time you have ever been away since the 15th of March. I wish
you could see our precious darling at this moment — laughing
and crowing on Harriet's knee. She is every day more and
more delightful. Her arm looks very sore now, but she has
never been the least uneasy with it. Mr Bryce did the other
arm from it yesterday, and he called her quite a heroine, as
when he took the matter out of her arm, she only sighed.

I drank tea at Lady Blair's last night in place of going to
the Elliot's concert, and I have declared at once and with
dignity my resolution of not going to Goody Blake's this
evening. Some thought I would, but I shall dalay my coming
out till your return. In case James Steuart has not written to
you yesterday or to-day, I must tell you that he had a letter
from his father yesterday, which has quite relieved his anxiety.
Sir John has been very ill, but is now better, Maria and Kate
were at the Cuming's on Tuesday night, so was Steuart. She
cannot be unconscious, therefore she must be unfeeling.

Harriet is better, her blister is almost healed, and I trust
she will have no return of her cold.

If you let Hutton Mains, what will become of all the hens,
ducks, pigs, &c. ? but that is but a secondary consideration. I
almost flatter myself that this will be the last letter I shall
have occasion to write to you at this present time. I wonder
if I may expect to hear from you to-morrow, when you will be
in. I again repeat that I am ready to return with you as much
before the 3rd of March as you please.

This weather will be truly delightful in the country, and
will do you a great deal of good. I hope you have got no cold.

Adieu, my dearest, and believe me,

Truly yours,

Catherine Swinton.

Wonder of wonders, Mr Mansfield has just called, but he
thought you were come home.

214 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

During this spring, John and his wife and his sister Harriet
went for a tour in the West Highlands, beginning with visits to
Blytheswood and Mrs Douglas at Walkinshaw. In July,
Catherine and her sisters-in-law went to Holy Island for sea-
bathing, John being with his Yeomanry.

Holy Island, Friday,
6th July, 1810.

My Dearest John,

I hope this will find you and our
darling pet in perfect health. You cannot think how funny it
seems to me being away from you both. We are very comfort-
able, indeed, here. Harriet and Maria were on their way to
bathe when we arrived yesterday, so I instantly took courage
and accompanied them, and I had another plunge this morning
before breakfast.

I am quite warm and comfortable when I get out of the
water, but the deed itself gives me a terrible shock and makes
me sigh so that my heart is just like to break. I am not at all
bold, and Harriet says I have never been entirely over the head
yet.

This is really a most beautiful place, and the Misses will
tell you it is impossible to see it in one day, so pray come with
an intention of staying two, I think you might be here
to-morrow. We wont give you a very good dinner. Do come
if you can, and with the intention of staying till Monday — if
you cannot, pray, write me a " bit noty " about Missy by the
carrier to-night ; but I shall live in the hopes of having the
happiness to see you to-morrow. I am sure you will admire
our Island.

Adieu, my dearest, kiss my bairn a hundred times for me,

And believe me,

Truly yours,

Catherine Swinton.

AND PORTRAITS 215

25th November, 1810. — John, Catherine, and Harriet went
a tour in the West — " 827 miles through the Highlands, in the
course of which we visited Lochnell, Tytler, and our good old
friend, Colonel Grant of Moy." Mrs Watherston, who was so
very miserable about her first husband's death, marries General
Maitland, youngest brother of Lord Lauderdale, " no more like
Watherston than — Hercules."

On the 1st of February, 1811, Catherine and her husband
went to Edinburgh, and on the 19th of that month their second
daughter Mary was born. She is sometimes called " Young
Mim," whether she was a godchild of Mrs Mansfield's or what
the reason was, one can only conjecture.

George Street, Tuesday,
March 5th, 1811.

My Dearest John,

We are all continuing to go on as
well as possible, young Mim improving in beauty every day,
and as for my ladyship I feel so strong and am told that I look
so beautiful that it requires no small degree of self control to
remain in the upper story, but I shall not hint a wish to
descend till the end of the week, and not even then unless I
see it be quite approved of. I am too thankful and grateful for
all the mercies I have experienced not to submit cheerfully to
such a trifling restraint. Little Kate has cut one of her eye
teeth without any inconvenience, and her gum is thought
nothing of by anybody, so we need not, I trust, go to Law with
her so early in life.

John Simpson returned in safety last night. How alert
you were in the morning to be at Dunbar by eight o'clock.
We are enjoying this fine day, hoping it is doubly so in the
country ; but I do not want the weather to be superlatively
delightful for fear you should prolong your stay. Nothing new
has occurred here. I have seen nobody but Aunt Mure and
Jane, who came to town on Saturday.

216 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

In the hopes of a letter from you on Thursday, and with
kindest loves to you from all here, and kisses from the children.
I remain, my dearest John,

Your truly affectionate

Catherine Swinton,
Mama has no answer yet about the house.

In September of this year John and his wife and his sister
Kate went to Harrogate, and had an enjoyable tour by the
English lakes on their return journey.

In 1812 they went to Edinburgh for a few weeks in spring.
About this time the Edinburgh house was changed from No.
20 George Street to 45, which house they retained, occasionally
letting it for a few months until 1822, when they sold it for the
sum of £2800. It was then occupied as lodgings by Espinasse
the French teacher, and for a few weeks some of the Swinton
family stayed in it as apartments where they had so long lived
as their own settled home. In 1829 the house was acquired by
Messrs Blackwood, and a saloon built out at the back, which
was the centre of counsel and operations of the band of writers
in Blackwood's Magazine — Aytoun, Hogg, De Quincey, Delta,
and a host besides. The upper rooms are unchanged since the
days Catherine and her troop of children came and dwelt in
them from Meadow House. " From the back windows one
commands a view of the broad Firth of Forth, the soft shores of
Fife, and the distant lines of dreamy hills and all the never-
ending charm of sunshine and flying shadow which gives a
special beauty to the Scottish landscape."

In July, 1812, Catherine went to Edinburgh, and then her
eldest son Archibald was born. Of him the compiler attempts
no account. He belongs to a generation to which these Records
do not extend; suffice it to say, at his death in 1890 it was
written with truth, " One of Scotland's most able and gifted
sons has passed away." A portrait of him by his brother James
Swinton hangs at Kimmerghame.

In the end of October the family moved to Allanbank,
rented during building enlargements at Meadow House. In

AND PORTRAITS 217

November of 1812 Mrs Swinton of Saugbton died (often
mentioned in letters and journals). Jobn went to ber funeral,
and brougbt back the aged Mrs Ferguson witb bim on a visit
to Meadow House.

On tbe 21st Jobn Simpson, coacbman and factotum, so
often spoken of for many years, was killed by a fall from tbe
box returning from Dunbar.

6tb April, 1813, Jobn writes: — "Poor old Hotspur is no
more. I bad for some time perceived bim failing perceptibly,
and as tbe state of bis moutb made it difficult for bim to sub-
sist on dry food in winter, I tbougbt an honourable deatb by a
musket and ball preferable for bim tban infirm old age. I
buried bim under an apple tree in tbe garden."

In 1813 John and Catherine went to stay with Mrs
Mansfield (Mim), who was ill, and on for a visit to Blytbeswood,
and in May of same year the family moved to Sanson, rented
for two years, as the Steuarts bad returned to Allanbank. In
June Mrs Mansfield died.

In tbe autumn of 1813 a very happy time is recorded, visit-
ing many friends and receiving many guests. The coursing
club was established, consisting of Lord Sinclair, General
Maitland, Mr Buchan, Mr Fordyce, Jobn Swinton, and others.
Tbe members arranged to dine by turns at each other's houses,
and tbe compiler has been told by one who remembered tbe
club in his early childhood bow they agreed to camp in tents in
Orange Lane, and there spend convivial evenings.

When tbe Battle of Leipsic took place there were illuminations
and rejoicings in Berwickshire as elsewhere at tbe allies' victory.

Catherine, expecting the birth of an infant, " expressed a
strong desire " to remain at home for tbe event, so tbe bouse in
George Street was let for three months to Sir James and Lady
Suttie, and tbe local doctor was kept living in tbe bouse at
Sanson — a wise precaution, as owing to a severe snow storm be
was snowed up with them for sixteen days. On January 27tb
a daughter was born and christened Henrietta. She became
tbe wife of Henry Davidson (Muirbouse) and mother of Randall
Thomas Davidson, Archbishop of Canterbury.

218 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

She was christened on the 28th February, only General and
Mrs Maitlaud and Mrs Landalls being present, besides the
family, owing to the snow storm. She entered the world at
warlike times, as when she was three months old the allies
entered Paris.

" Sanson, Wednesday night,
" 9th March, 1814.

" My appearance at the breakfast table has not been
attended with any bad consequences. The sweet babe continues
as placid as possible. . . . Though your daughter Henrietta
has chanced to make her appearance in this world during such
hard times, yet she must be portioned equally with her sisters,
therefore she would be much obliged to Papa to get her a silver
spoon with H. S. on it ; if you haven't time, Maria can do it at
her leisure. . . ."

PART VII.

fN May 1814 came the sad news of James' death, and a
short account of his life may be here inserted.

As previously mentioned, he was born 13th May 1785,
and his early childhood was spent at Kimmerghame.
He was educated at the High School, Edinburgh.
The first letter I find from him is as follows (written in a
large round hand) : —

Edin., March 22, 1798.

My Dear Mother,

" I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter ;
be assured that I shall ever endeavour to follow your advice in
every particular, as to reading novels it is really a thing I have
no taste for, except one or two which I have read, I had rather
read a good history. I have at present got Plutarch's Lives,
which I am very fond of.

I was at the Castle Spectre last night (with Mrs Swinton*).
It is, I daresay, the most striking and elegant scenery ever
brought forward on this stage. The piece itself is nothing very
extraordinary, being entirely borrowed from other authors. I
received John's and Catherine's letters to-day. Many thanks to
Catherine for her pretty little drawings, I shall always be much
obliged to her for any she can find time to draw," etc.

In May 1800 he writes to tell his father, " he felt an inclina-
tion to communicate at the approaching sacrament," and with
Mrs F.'s leave (his Aunt, Mrs Ferguson), he goes to be examined
by Dr Moody, who gives his entire approbation, but advises
asking his Father's consent, which he does and receives, there
being a copy of his Father's answer.

* Probably Lord Swinton's wife.

220 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

A series of letters, affectionate and bespeaking an extremely
nice disposition, follow from 1803 onwards, but as they are
written in very stilted language, and have very long winded and
lengthy sentences, without any portions of special interest, 1 do
not copy them.

When the family moved to Loretto he joined the Yeomanry,
and seems to have done so with enthusiasm. At that time
there was a good deal of discussion whether he should enter
law under his cousin, Archibald Swinton, who was a W.S., and
lived in Queen Street, Edinburgh, or whether he should go out
to India as a Cadet. The latter profession was chosen. He
travelled with his family to London and onwards to Bath, and
was there when his Father died. Shortly after he started for
India, he was deeply grateful and touched by his eldest brother,
for whom he had the greatest respect and aflfection, coming to
see him off in his ship, which was The Lady Jane Dundas, and
commanded by Captain Lindsay from Portsmouth, from whence
he sailed on the 20th of March 1804. He enjoyed his voyage
out and liked all his fellow-passengers, reached the Cape de
Verd Islands on April 12, and Madras on July 18. In India he
led a quiet and uneventful life, chiefly surveying, except when
in March 1809 he served as a Volunteer in the short but

successful campaign of Travancore under Col. the Honble.

St Leger. He later, by the Resident's desire, took a survey of
Palamcottah, never before explored by Europeans,

His letters contain many touching little sentences, such as
after his eldest brother John's marriage and birth of the first
little girl he says " teach little Catherine to sometimes talk of
her Uncle James," and he repeatedly writes of how he looks
forward to meeting his youngest brother Archie who is coming
out as a Midshipman, " should he come anywhere possible for us
to meet it will go hard but I shall manage to go to him, and how
we shall talk," and again he writes repeatedly of how he hopes
some day to have made enough to come home and buy a little
dwelling near his mother and John, but neither hope, alas, was
realised, for in 1806 he receives the crushing blow of hearing
how the ship has gone down with little Archie on board, and he

AND PORTRAITS 221

never lived to go home himself. On his brother's marriage he
sent his new unseen sister-in-law a diamond ring and his picture,
" finished painting at last," and two Indian shawls, one to his
mother (red flowered) and one for Catherine Rennie (red with a
border).

When he hears of Archy's death he writes, " It is now that
I feel in its full force the cruel distance that separates me from
friends whom I would fly to console, but it is with satisfaction,
I think, that you (John) would most probably be with my
Mother and sisters to support and comfort them on this most
trying occasion, and I have only to lament my own hard lot that
it must be many many months before I can know the events of
this interesting period, it is no small addition to my misfortunes
that every one of my letters seem to have been on board this
unfortunate vessell."

In 1811 he writes full of pleasure about a project of his
sister Catherine coming out to him. He says, " When my ten
years' banishment is over I am coming to see you at Broad-
meadows. Thank you for wishing I may some day be a " nei'-
bour laird," but I am sixteenth lieutenant, and, alas, cannot save
much."

In 1813 he was attacked with a liver complaint, which he
suffered from for about two months. He longed for sea air and
came to Madras proposing to go a voyage, but became too ill to
do S9,

He was affectionately nursed by Colonel Morrison, who
wrote to his Mother afterwards, but gave few details, fearing, he
says, to just add to their grief — he assures her he had every
attention, and that he was composed and cheerful. He made
his will lest he should not recover, leaving all his fortune to his
sisters, which, he writes to John, he is sure that his brother will
approve, he leaves his Mother's miniature, and desires all his
papers may be burnt.

He passed away on Nov. 2nd, 1813, when apparently sleep-
ing so quietly that Col. Morrison, who was sitting by his bed-
side, did not know he was gone, and was buried in Madras.

Alluding to the death of this son and his brother Archy, his

222 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

Mother wrote in her private memorandums, " They knew how
much I loved them in life, I now deplore their sad sad loss for
the remainder of my few days."

His sisters copied the letters of condolence from India, which
are euloo'istic of the high character he bore, and the esteem he
was held in by all who knew him.

He seems to have been of a devout, simple, and earnest
character, and it was sad that of his short life of 27 years, nine
were spent in the (v;hat was to him) exile of India.

A lock of his hair remains, and a very pretty pencil sketch
depicting a handsome boy, with his younger brother and sister
in old fashioned costume, holding a hare in his hand.

He is also in the Nasmyth family group, where he is the
little boy with the rake in one hand, led by his Mother.

AND PORTRAITS 223

In June Mrs Ferguson was ill. Harriet and Maria hurried
in to see her, and found her " wonderfully restored, her mind
clear and collected."

In September John goes to Harrogate, and to him his wife
writes : —

Catherine to her Husband.

Sanson, Monday,

September 26th, 1814.

My Dearest John,

The idea of not hearing from you this morning never
had entered into my mind, therefore the non-appearance of a
letter was a sad disappointment, and having lived upon letters
for some days, it has cost me my breakfast. I know I ought to
be satisfied with the delightful letter I got yesterday, but the
happiness I then experienced was only productive of an ardent
desire for a repetition. Pray thank Mama a thousand times
for her kindness in writing to me, when it must yet be such an
exertion.

Yesterday was the first day I felt completely at my ease,
and if I had a letter to-day to confirm my happiness, I should
have been truly gratified. Desolate and deserted as I feel, yet
I am truly rejoiced you are going to remain a few days, as I am
sure it will do you good. Pray, work hard at the waters. I
would advise you to drink them night and morning, to make
the most of a short time, and do tell me how it agrees
with you.

Our darlings are all quite well, and never cough at all now
— Henrietta looking much better. Archy plays the part of
Papa every morning at breakfast, and is quite angry if he is
addressed by any other title. He hopes Papa has got a new
ho'se at Ha'gate to play iss and Dare says it 'ill be like dae's
poney. We are going to Manderston to-day. Mrs Maitland
pressed me so much, I did not like any longer to refuse, besides,
I thought it but fair to amuse Louisa a little in your absence.
Robert will bring my expected letter in the morning, and if he
also brings good accounts of the pets, we shall probably go to
Allanbank to-morrow. I shall certainly see Mrs Murray, as I

224 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

hear she came on Saturday. I shall like to hear all particulars
from her, though I have to thank her for a bilious fit which her
p.s. raised in my inside, but my precious letter yesterday almost

dispersed it.

I have written a circular letter to the Coursing Club. There
is a letter come to you from Tytler . . .

From the Same.

Sanson, Saturday,

Oct., 1814.

My Dearest John,

Words would fail were I to attempt to describe
my disappointment on hearing only this morning that you were
not to leave Harrogate till Monday ; if you had said at first that
you should remain a month, I should have rejoiced, as I am
sure it will do you good, but I had been boasting so much of
your steadiness and decision, and was so certain of the transport
of seeing you to-day at dinner, that I do not know when my
nerves will recover the shock I experienced, as the provoking
post, to aggravate my disappointment, only brought Kate's
letter, and your shabby few lines, dated the 26th, this morning.
The date must be a mistake, as dear Maria's delightful long
letter must have been written the same day, so I cannot make
out why your change of plans has been so long of reaching me,
luckily I had not offered to Besborough for Monday as you
desired in your P.S. to the letter of the real 26th, but I had
apprised Mrs Swinton of your intention of making out your
engagement to-morrow, so I have had to send Robert with an
apology. As you say, you are only to leave Harrogate on
Monday, and the rest of the party go to Langton. Of course you
will have to accompany them, so I do not expect you till the
end or middle of the week ; and I have only to request that you
will write me immediately and not keep me in suspense.

If I were to allow myself to-day, I should be almost in as
great a quandary as I was a week ago. I think you might
have written me again since Monday. I think it my duty to
provide some diversion for you here on your return to prevent

AND PORTRAITS 225

a return of your misanthropy, therefore I have given a favour-
able answer to a very pressing letter I had from Pinnacle Hill,
wishing us to occupy their only spare room at the time of
Kelso races, where all the world are to be, and a private house
is not to be despised, as a room in the town cannot be got for
love or money, and one bed is let for 20 guineas.

There is no saying what I may do before your return — after
contracting an intimate friendship with Lord Lauderdale. Mrs
Maitland and the Gen^. asked it as such a favour that we
should dine there again last Wednesday, that I did not like to
refuse, though I hated the thoughts of doing it in your absence.
Lds. Lauderdale and Maitland and 5 more men with Lady
Betsy were the party, the former extremely pleasant, quite
different from what I expected — mild, gentle, and entertaining.
You may be sure I would not have done it had not the
darlings been quite well.

Mary and Archy are coughing rather more these two days.
Archy seems the only person in the house who rejoices at the
delay of your return, as it will not deprive him of his assumed
character. However, he had comforted himself that there
might be two Papas. A letter came from Blytheswood yester-
day, directed to me in your absence, containing an order for
young Robertson to come to Glasgow immediately, as he had
got employment for him on board one of the West India ships.
I sent it instantly to his father.

The Misses will be shocked to hear that I saw in the papers
the death of Miss Dickson at Gartmore. How poor Mrs
Douglas is pursued with misfortune.

I trust I shall have a comfortable letter to-morrow, and
that come in course of post. I trust in God I may give
implicit credit to the reason of the delay, but as I am very
silly, I assure you seriously if there is any more off puts, I shall
set out to join you that I may satisfy myself.

God bless you all. The children all send their love and a
kiss and darling Coplins.

Yours, dearest John,

Catherine Swinton.
p

226 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

The corn was all cut down at Meadow House on Tuesday
last, but I suppose you are above minding that at present.
Now if you are not to be home on Tuesday, pray write, I care
not how little. To think that I know nothing about any of
you since Monday is most vexatious and makes me very bilious,
but I know I have only to reproach the post, which is degene-
rating very fast.

In May 1815 the alterations at Meadow House were
completed, and the family moved in.

In June Mrs Fergusson came to stay, " clear and collected,
but very failed in bodily health and speech impaired."

The Battle of Waterloo is recorded but slightly, chiefly
concerning the death of James Hay (Duns Castle) killed in
battle.

On the 14th of April 1816 a second son, christened James
Rennie, was born at Meadow House, who became the well-
known portrait painter.

In the spring of 1817 Mrs Fergusson's state of health
caused her niece Maria to go to live with her. She records as
follows in her journal : —

" 19th April 1817. — Mrs F. had read a good deal to herself
while I was at church, and I read two sermons later in the
evening, then went to tea at Mrs Scott's; joined her as usual
on my return about 8. After her supper at 10 she was a little
restless, and did not fall asleep, and at 12 o'clock I was told by
Jean Nisbet that she was very unwell. I found her very
restless, her breathing dreadfully oppressed, which continued
so bad, and she appeared very feverish. Then I sent for
Dr Keith at 2 ; he did not give her anything, but proposed a
blister. In the morning he saw her again ; she appeared much
better and wished to rise, and after she was in the drawing-
room she appeared much as usual.

" She was so much better she would not let me break my
engagement of dining at Lady Marjoribanks' family dinner.
I returned soon in the evening and found her rather uneasy,
she continued restless and did not sleep. On Tuesday

AND PORTRAITS 227

Drs Brown and Keith ordered a blister. It was put on at 1 2
and continued nearly 24 hours, as we did not like to rouse her
from the sort of lethargy that lasted all day and night. On
Thursday morning John arrived ; she knew him and spoke
collectedly, but sunk again into the stupor, which lasted almost
constantly, though when spoken to she knew those about her,
and showed the utmost willingness to take anything recom-
mended. Mr Porteous came several times and gave a prayer
which she appeared to find comfort from, and was often heard
muttering the prayer she had been in the habit of repeating,
and said distinctly ' Lord assist me ' and other pious ejaculations
when drawing near her dissolution, which happened at 5 o'clock
on Thursday the 1st of May, which was at the last gentle and
calm, but in the beginning of the night she had been very
restless and uneasy. It was a merciful termination of a well
spent life."

On the 5th of May the funeral took place. " Old Mr
Dickson gave a prayer before the company set out for the
Grey Friars, where Mrs F. was interred beside her brother,
Lord Swinton."

Her will was proved on the 4th of May. She left her
property in the Cannongate and £500 to each of her three
nieces. To the youngest, Kate, she left the Miniature of her
Mother and the Indian shawl sent to her by her nephew James,
and the residue of her estate to her nephew John, which
included her homespun linen, now at Kimmerghame.

On January 1818, on the 80th, a daughter was born and
christened Agnes, at Meadow House. She lived to become
Mrs Murray.

From Catherine to her Husband.

August 1818.

Dearest John,

You may imagine Archy's happiness last night
when John Bosick appeared from Berwick leading a lovely little
poney, perfectly sound and a real beauty. It had come by the
carrier to the King's Arms without any letter, and as there was

228 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

a letter from Walkinshaw (the only place from which we could
imagine it proceeded) without a word being said of such a thing,
it was irresistible to open a strange letter, hoping it might
contain intelligence, and we are glad we did so, as you must
answer it immediately. It seems to us perfect, but, of course,
you will like to judge for yourself, not having much faith in
our opinion of horse flesh. Write also to Blytheswood.

We have the best possible accounts of Miss C.'s cough, and
fever entirely gone. It is impossible to tell you how happy we
were with your letter last night. Old and young were watching
for it, and Harriet is quite enchanted that you agree with her
in the salubrity of the air, and exults over the success of her
plan. It is almost incredible to think of your raging for your
breakfast. It was a pity you missed Nunnykirk, but you will
lay the foundation of a lasting friendship on your return.

I am delighted with your offer of engaging a cook. I was
thinking of asking you to try your luck, but thought you would
dislike it terribly ; but I hope you will succeed, at any rate it
will be diverting to see.

I hope you will visit Charles Begg, and in the meantime
that Riddell will join you. This has been an enchanting day,
very warm, and yesterday was fine too. John Bosick says the
rain has done no harm.

The children are in great glee with the thoughts of a visit
from cousin Margaret, as her Mama drops her here on Tuesday
on their way to Eyemouth. She was afraid of taking her for
the small-pox, so I asked her to come here.

Archy meant to have written you himself about his pony,
but I thought it best to send this letter.

Love from all. Good night, dearest John,

Your most affectionate

C. S.

Sunday Night.

Letter enclosed from G. Dunlop, saying he had sent a
Shetland pony, purchased from him by "Blytheswood for
your son."

and portraits 229

From the Same.

Meadow House,
Wednesday night, 28th July, 1819.

Dearest John,

In return for your very agreeable
intelligence, I think you will like a line by the return of the
bearer to let you know what is going on here. We made out
our expedition to Eyemouth yesterday most prosperously, the
day was delightful, and it was diflScult to say which of the
party enjoyed it most ; even the pleasure of being sick in the
Prince Regent was considered a ploy, and fully enjoyed by me.
The children only went in the rowing boat, but even that made
some of them queerish. It was past nine when we got home,
and as a proof of how happy we were, not even Jem was the
least sleepy. We left Harriet. We heard from Harrogate
yesterday that Miss Jane has had a pretty severe attack of
fever occasioned by a bilious fit, her pulse was above 100. She
was much better when Maria wrote, and they hoped a day or
two would restore her, but of course it must delay their return.
Mama hopes to hear again to-morrow.

Will you send Marshall the smith down any day this week,
the sooner the better, to mend the Jack, as " she " will not go at
all, and something is very wrong about her. Also when the
trumpeter's present occupation is o'er he may come to take a
look of the little clock, as she is stopped too.

I am glad you have got another horse and find your house
comfortable. They have been busy thrashing hay all day, and
it will not be finished to-morrow. The weather is much in
your favour, the sun not being oppressive.

It was a pity none of the yeomen graced the grand doings
on Monday at the Bridge. There were above a thousand
people present at the laying the foundation, but I am quite
angry a more distinguished hand did not do it. A fine poem
by Mackay was read after dinner, and is to be printed in the
papers with the account of the business.

230 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

I wish you may have time or patience to read all this, so I
shall only add our united kindest love.
Most affectionately yours,

Catherine Swinton.

To THE Berwickshire Yeomanry, Cavalry Barracks at

PlERSHILL, EdIN.

Meadow House,
Thursday night, 16th Dec, 1819.

Dearest John,

You have been really good in writing
to us so often, it has kept our minds quite easy about you, and
I trust this may find you safe and comfortable at Piers-Hill
Your letter from Dunbar the first day rather gave us an alarm
as it was dispatched from Berwick in the middle of the night,
and the express arrived at half-past four in the morning and
knocked up the house, but I was too happy at the cause to
care for being disturbed. The newspapers give us no informa-
tion when the search for Arms Bill is likely to be passed, so we
can have no idea of how long your absence will be protracted.
In the meantime we are thankful to hear you are quite well,
and trust you will continue so. It rather diverts us the idea of
some of the Corps acting the Beau at Piershill. I trust you
will not have to proceed farther.

If you are gone there to-day you may have happened to
hear that what I said in my last about poor Grandmama has
already come to pass. She ended her long life yesterday morn-
ing, mercifully without much suffering ; at the last awful
moment she was so tranquil they were hardly aware that all
was over. I have an excellent letter from Aunt Bessie, assuring
me she had long ago given up all thoughts of leaving Edin-
burgh, and hoping I did not think her unfeeling for thinking of
it, but at the time she did it Grandmama seemed to be sfettino:
better. If you are at Piershill, of course you will be in Edin-
burgh, but if you are not it will be kind if you will write a line
to Aunt Annie and tell how you are engaged.

AND PORTRAITS 281

We had a delightful letter from Harriet yesterday from
Naples, Nov. 22nd. She is as well as possible, but poor Mrs
Maitland does not seem to be improving in spirits, which is a
sad damp to Harriet's enjoyment. She seems to have no com-
plaint, but cares for nothing. The gentleman would do any-
thing she liked and behaves remarkably well, which is a great
comfort. I have forwarded a heavy letter to you either at
Haddington or Piershill, which you will probably still get free,
as it is a frank from the Quarter Master's office. I hope you
will not be storm-stayed after your service is over, but it seems
a feeding storm. It was very awful yesterday morning, thunder
and lightning in the midst of hail and snow. Mrs Wilkie
hopes it extended to the Radicals, and that it would remind
them of the mighty Power above.

Lilly Stuart sets out to-morrow without her beau, as he is
detained by sickness.

Good night, dearest John, in the hopes of hearing continued
good accounts of you,

I remain, your most affectionate,

Catherine Swinton.

We are much inclined to disobey you about getting some
man to sleep with us, being quite satisfied with the protection
of Dickey. Mr Meldrum has evidently had a great wish to
follow you, and nothing but his horse being lame seems to
detain him, but my opinion is he should beg, borrow, or steal
one. He told me Richardson of Allanbank Mill returned home
on Tuesday. Mrs Hosick is furious at none of your tenants
being with you.

The Grandmama alluded to was Mrs Mure of Caldwell.
Her Father, James Graham, Lord Easdale, was raised to the
bench (after practising as an Advocate) in 1751. Dr Carlyle
says : — " He was an open, friendly man and of great public
spirit. He was liable in a great degree to a nervous disorder
which oppressed him with low spirits ; he knew when he was
going to fall ill, and as it sometimes confined him for three

232 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

months, he sent back his fees to the agents, who all of them
waited till he recovered, and applied to him again." He was a
son of Graham of Dougalstone, and married Katherine Hepburn,
his only daughter married Lord Mure, and his grandaughter
married James Rennie. Some of Katherine Hepburn's very
fine spinning, marked in hair, is at Kimmerghame. Mrs Mure
was distinguished in her early days for beauty as well as for
wit, which qualities she maintained unimpaired till within a
few weeks of her death at the age of 86. She possessed a rich
fund of anecdote, and having spent her early life in London she
contracted an intimacy with the wife of Pitt, also Hume, the
Historian, and many other notable persons. Her parting
counsel to Hume the historian on his deathbed will be remem-
bered : — " Oh, David, before ye dee ye suld burn a' your wee
bookies " ; and the historian's testy reply : " What for suld I
burn a' my wee bookies." Her drawing room circle at the
Abbey hill in the vicinity of Holyrood was an assembly of a
galaxy of the Augustan age of Scottish Literature.

" Sunday, 10th Oct., 1819, Maria writes :—

"John and Mrs S. returned from Roxburgh sh. after
attending Swinton Church. They were quite diverted with
their visit to Abbotsford. Mr Scott had exerted himself to
amuse his relatives, and was most entertaining. No strangers
there but Capt. Adam Ferguson."

15th February 1820. On hearing John had refused to
stand for the county.

Dearest John,

After weighing and duly considering all the
separate paragraphs in your most interesting letter, I must
confess the predominent feeling in my mind is disappointment.
With the flattering support you would have met with had you
made the attempt I could even have submitted to a failure, the
weight of respectability there would have been in your scale
ought to have been a sufficient balance against the more

AND PORTRAITS 233

numerous but plebian votes of your antagonist, even had that
been the result, which I am not convinced of — however, I am
quite willing to believe that you have acted most prudently,
and if you had only had Blythswood's opinion I should not have
a shadow of regret remaining, but I should not like to hear
him declare you a " hurrible blockhed " for resisting such an
opening.

I am sorry for the worry you must have been in, but
to-night I hope you will get a sound sleep under the conviction
that if this scheme of worldly ambition had been intended by
the All Wise Disposer of events to promote our permanent
happiness, it would not have been frustrated. Some other plan
may yet occur to decide our future lot, and in the meantime
let us be thankful for all our blessings. I have got into a bit
of a sermon without meaning it, so God bless you. As you say
nothing to the contrary we expect you home to dinner.
Yours most affectionately,

C. S.

Tuesday Night.

From Catherine.

Monday, March 1820.

Dearest John,

I must write again to contradict my mis-statement
respecting the election. Sir David having made up his lee way
in a most wonderful manner, his ships came in on Saturday
morning. Many of the voters were not qualified till they had
been 48 hours on land, so they were packed off to Paxtou to
keep them clear of corruption, and his friends to wear out the
time would only vote once every three quarters of an hour
(the time prescribed by law) this with the lucky intervention
of Sunday renders the whole number qualified to-day. All
Saturday they were pouring in from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and
Newcastle, and they say it is impossible to say which will
succeed after all. Both parties are equally sure, and it will be
the nearest run election ever witnessed in Berwick, except once.
Her ladyship is there, and was running about all Saturday in

234 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

every directioD, and yesterday we had 16 Londoners in Huttou
Kirk, most of them most extraordinary looking personages all
decorated with Sir David's ensigns, which had a very dashing
appearance. It is thought it will not be decided till to-morrow.

John Hosick gave us a most diverting account of the street
on Saturday. He sold wheat at 55s. ! Catherine Johnston has
just called here full of anecdotes about Sir David. Johnston
has no doubt of his success. It will ruin poor Pawl. Lady
Milne is not to be allowed to go in to the chairing for fear
of agitating her too much, so there seems something more in
the wind.

Helen Davidson is coming here with James Elliot on
Thursday ; they are to stay till Saturday. Your letter this
morning was a great treat, and thank Kate for her entertain-
ing addition. We are very sorry to hear such a bad account of
Blythswood. Archy is to take this to Chirnside. He saw
seven hares on Saturday and was out five hours. Bobby
Haswell read a proclamation yesterday that every body was to
meet at Greenlaw on Thursday, the 23rd, to chuse a discreet
knight of the Shyre. The expression made me misbehave in
the Church.

I have nothing more to say, dearest, except love to Kate
and yourself from all here.

Ever your most affectionate,

C. SwiNTON.

From the Same.

Meadow House,
Saturday, March 1820.

Dearest John,

I may as well write to-day though I have nothing
to say, but as you expect a letter to-morrow, the failure might
disappoint you. Poor Sir David, or rather his lady, must
submit for once to be disappointed. The poll closed yesterday
as follows : —

Lord Ossulston, - - 419
St. Paul, - - - 827

Sir David, - - . 252 only.

AND PORTRAITS 235

His ships are not arrived, though two others are who sailed
after them. Of course it is reported the Captains were bribed,
but the high winds are much more likely t© have blown them
off Norway or some such outlandish port. His friends were
anxious to keep the poll open another day, and a guild was to
be held last night to consult whether it was legal, but even
the arrival of the whole 70 would not beat Paul, so there are
no hopes.

John Hosick was at Kelso yesterday and saw James Elliot,
who told him he was to be here on Thursday to dinner, so
I hope you will get home to dinner. You had a fine day
yesterday for your journey. Archy sat his pony like any
dragoon on Thursday and killed a fat hare, which he laid in
triumph at Miss Meldrum's feet, and to-day he is going to
Faulden to try his skill there, and the day is so fine he is to
be out the whole forenoon. Mama begs you will buy for her
10s. worth of hot pressed paper when you get your own. . . .

In September 1820 they sent their eldest son Archy, aged
8 years, to school at Doncaster with Mr Sharp. John went
there, and on to London for medical advice, and thereafter
to Bath.

His sister Kate was with him.

From the Same.

20th Sept. 1820.
Wednesday Night.

Dearest John,

I only take a half sheet as I have nothing to say,
but we hope this will catch you at Doncaster, as Conrad's seal
was forgotten to be sent. How anxious I am for Adam's return
to hear that dear Archy got no cold, which I can hardly expect,
Monday night was so bad and Tuesday so cold. It was delight-
ful to see with what glee he jumped into the coach and seated
himself between two fat companions, opposite a nice-looking
lady I recommended him to. You may imagine, but I cannot

2,S6 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

describe my feelings at that moment. Pray, write to me from
Doncaster. I still mean to go on Monday, if the drawing-room
and nursery all keep quite well, but several of the servants are
complaining, and Bell Jeffrey has had a terrible sore throat — a
decided quinsey and the worst not yet over as it is not broken.
We were obliged to send for a doctor one night at eleven o'clock,
and the hour and uncertainty of getting Smith made us prefer
a new man established at Chirnside, whom we had seen and
liked in the village. He has been most attentive and comes
every day, which Smith could not have done. She has been
bled and blistered, and he assures us it is not an infectious
kind, though most severe to the poor patient. Her mother is
come to attend her.

We are all ourselves, old and young, in the most perfect
health. Your mother and Kate are going to Nunraw on Friday,
to remain till the horses come out from Edinburgh. The corn
is all in, and John Hosick says " if it had been Meikle's own, he
could not have been more anxious or behaved better, often
working himself."

We were at Swinton yesterday, and found Mrs S. just as
might be expected. She was quite aware how you were
situated, and readily excused your not coming, but trusts
you will be home by the end of October, when A. S. is to be out,
and some arrangement made. He had been very absurd about
John, trying to persuade him not to return to Edinburgh,
which, of course, she opposes, but he is not yet able, poor fellow,
though better.

Good night, dearest. Love from all to Archy. Ask him for
the key of his desk, which, after all, he took away in his pocket.
Trusting to hear good accounts to-morrow or Friday.

I am,

Ever yours,

as.

AND PORTRAITS 237

From the Same, as are those following.

Dunbar, Tuesday Nt.

Oct. 3rd., 1820.

My Dearest John,

Here we actually are, so far on our way to
Edinb., and it is hardly necessary to add, all in perfect health ;
but you will be surprised to hear that Meadow House is
evacuated by the whole family — that Catherine and Mary
are by this time in Edin. with Grandmama and Aunt Maria,
and that my companions are the three young ones and
Beattie. For some days past we have been under great
anxiety in consequence of the Scarlet fever raging in
Hutton. . . ,

George Street, Tuesday,

October 17th, 1820.

Really, dearest John, after your apology for writing so often
when all our happiness and comfort depends upon hearing from
you, I could not venture to take up my pen on comparatively
insignificant topics, unless it were for the temptation of a
private conveyance. I am quite provoked with your pretended
modesty, but our last letter, dispatched on Saturday, would
show our anxiety, and perhaps induce you to overcome your
scruples. In the meantime, be assured that your last from
Berners Street was received with the warmest gratitude, and
served to cheer our spirits after two days of anxiety, and
Harriet's by the way of Lees was most satisfactory.

I cannot help being most sanguine, my beloved John, on the
subject, and trust in God not to be disappointed, but that you
will return a very different person from what you have been for
long. Pray for all our sakes, give Galvin, &c., all fair play, and
banish every consideration but concerning your health. I
promise not to act the part of Mrs Ogle even though you
eat your Christmas goose in London, thank heaven I have no
occasion. Six weeks from the day you commenced with

238 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

La Beauue only finishes me with the masters we are now
engaged with, and after that we must be guided by circum-
stances. I trust our own air will be purified by that time.

I heard to-day Bell was better, but has been very ill, bled
and blistered. Adam and his family recovering slowly, and no
new cases. We can never cease rejoicing we are all safe here,
everything relating to our divided concerns has been most
happily ordered, and Harriet being with you in London is to
my mind not the least agreeable circumstance, as I have much
stronger hopes of your amendment when you are comfortable
and amused than if you were in a solitary lodging. May God
grant my earnest prayers for your recovery, my dearest John.
Remember all our future happiness depends upon it, and take
no thought of anything else. I hope Harriet too may reap
benefit from her consultation. I always feared she would find
the cold severe upon her after her return. It is bitter here, but
we are all keeping well, the children perfectly so, and happy to
the greatest degree.

The Misses and I are making the most of our time, and are
busy every day from nine till two ; and I have every encourage-
ment to go 00, as I have done, as both their music and French
teachers are quite satisfied with what they know, which affords
me a fresh incitement for exertion. Henrietta is very happy in
going with us to the Dancing School, and Jim was the proudest
of children in going to Church on Sunday, and behaved like a
man, only he had some confusion in his noddle about the
Dancing School, and asked anxiously in the middle of the
sermon which was Mr Smart. Agnes behaves remarkably well,
and is much admired in town. She has been much better of
Bryce's medicines. We saw Mrs Halkett yesterday, and she is
very glad of her daughter's delay. Ch. R. Swinton continues
very weak, and they are so mysterious and so anxious, that we
imagine (but without any other reason) that it is on his spirits.

Archy is making a fuss about your giving him a day at
Swinton on your way down, and was to write to you himself.
We are in hopes, now that the tables are turned in the House
of Lords, but it would be difficult to say which decision would

AND PORTKAITS 239

create the least disturbance in the country. I hope to hear
from Archy in a day or two. We wrote to him last week. I
have my fears that you will think it best not to bring him
down, as you will see him so near Christmas, but will he do any
good during the holidays? However, decide as you think
best.

I shall for the present conclude, only begging you will
continue to write every second day, and not insult us by
apologies.

Your most affectionate

Catherine Swinton.

George Street,
Monday, 27th Nov. 1820.

My dearest John,

Yours of yesterday was as satisfactory and com-
fortable as in the present anxious state of our affairs we dared to
hope for, and though you gave us no reason to expect to hear
to-day, yet the disappointment has knocked me down a little.
I trust in God no news is good news and that we may flatter
ourselves Harriet is advancing towards recovery, and that you
are continuing as comfortable as your last bulletin pronounced.
My present wishes are very moderate, I only wish you out of
the London fogs, as I open every letter trembling for fear either
of you have got a sore throat. I earnestly trust as soon as
Harriet is able to travel that you will go to Bath, notwithstand-
ing the attraction of Galvanism, as no one can expect to recover
strength or to get their nerves braced confined in such a malign
air. The cheering hope held out in yours to Kate, received on
Saturday, did us a great deal of good, though I try not to build
too much upon it, as I fear Harriet gives me more credit than
I deserve for patience, though I struggle against my fear to the
utmost of my power, and am truly and sincerely thankful that
things are no worse. Yet still it is a sad aggravation to our
inevitable first separation that you should be such an invalid,
but I trust it may please God to bless with success the means
used for your recovery, and that the same Providential care

240 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

which has hitherto directed all our measures will still be vouch-
safed to us.

What a mercy in the meantime that the children are all well
here. You would be shocked to hear of poor James Simpson's
death, after an illness of only three days, and when all fear of
further infection seemed over. We have not heard again
whether it is spreading more or not. Of course our return
must depend entirely on circumstances, but I assure you, my
dearest John, candidly and sincerely, that it is a matter of
perfect indifference to me individually where I am confined,
only I see no advantages attending doing it here, except your
mother not running the risk of leaving her own house at that
inclement season, and unless Bath works a perfect miracle, it
would surely be much against you coming here. I said above
that I was indifferent, but if I could choose and arrange exactly
as I would like, the job would be done in the country, but
nothing need be decided for three weeks or a month, and by
that time, please God, your plans will be more clear. In the
meantime have no anxiety about me. I never felt less nervous
about myself and would thankfully bear twenty children on the
top of a baggage waggon, or anywhere, to see you return
tolerably well. But neither you nor Harriet must be dis-
couraged even should you now and then experience a slight
relapse. A complaint of such long standing surely cannot be
eradicated all at once. Wardrop's opinion, and indeed every-
one's, on the weakness of your leg, will, I hope, remove all your
own fears.

I beg Fergus' pardon for ever feeling a doubt about his
skill, but so much for the weight of a known name, that I have
felt so much more at ease since Wardrop was consulted, only
I hope he will soon let you leave London.

I am happy to tell you that you will not be plagued with
Eleanor Mure. I am sorry I ever mentioned her, but you
will hear no more about her as she is not to come at present.
Dear Archy, I still hope may be your travelling companion.
I have had a most agreeable letter from Mrs Sharpe about him,
some parts amused me much, particularly at his attempts to

AND PORTRAITS 241

domineer over his companions, but not finding them so passive
as his nursery playfellows he soon learned to keep his own
place. I never have hinted a word to him about his coming
down. Jimmy has had a most diverting letter from Mr Meldrum
with an account of the Hutton illuminations, and the burning
of two figures which they took to Ingram to know what Lords
best deserved that fate, and on a third figure being produced it
was declared to be Meldrum, as he refused last summer to drink
the Queen's health. The Mures all came to town two days ago,
but the Campbells do not come till the 10th and Blythswood
not till the 20th. He is perfectly well, every body says, and he
owns himself better.

Dearest John, you have never told me how you sleep, pray
mention that particular. We often wish Kate was with you, to
take care of you both, and though it will be a good sign if you
decidedly forbid her, yet I should not be sorry to hear of a good
opportunity. Lady Home does not go till after Christmas. I
am glad you are relieved of the Maitlands. We could not think
her letter over anxious, as it came so far short of our own.

The children are perfectly well, and Jimmy is becoming a
popular character in town. They were dancing quadrilles at
George Dunlop's last Saturday, but that is not their forte, at
least not poor dear Catherine's. It will be some time before
she attains Harriet's idea of a grace — a supple tam with its
elbows pinned to its side is a more apt comparison, but she
does her best in that and everything else, and I am getting
such a lift in my own education that for many years to come I
shall rest satisfied — if you only, my beloved John, were returned
and your health restored, I could not have a wish ungratified.

I have got £130 more from Marshall, and have given your
mother £100 of it, and have enough myself to answer all my
town demands, even should it be decreed that we remain till
Spring, which I cannot yet believe, but in case of being obliged,
my aunts have volunteered to accommodate any children we
like to give them, and it will be real pleasure to them. What
do you think of the laird of Bughtrig, Mr Frank, seeking
Marianne Mitchelson ; it diverts us much, but we have it only

242 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

in confidence, not that you have any one to let it out to. She
does not spurn him in the way we think she should.

I trust we shall hear to-morrow as there is no post on Wed-
nesday, and God grant the accounts of you both may be what
we could wish. Dearest Harriet, do you remember my pro-
nouncing on your complaint some time ago? God bless you
both, and restore you to us in health prays earnestly,
Your most affectionate,

Catherine Swinton.

George St., Thursday Nt.
7th Deer. 1820.

Still I must just confess my weakness that the

idea of your stay in Bath, extending to six weeks, was a severe
shock — a fortnight or three weeks I had made up my mind to,
but to think that two long months may yet elapse before we
meet requires the aid of all my philosophy, but if it please God
that even then we meet with happiness, I feel that the six
months we shall have been separated, and the various anxieties
I have experienced, have taught me a lesson of depending upon
the care and direction of Providence, I shall not soon forget.
This separation, I may truly say, is the first real vexation or trial
I have met with as a Wife — my beloved John, and no one can
say as much with a more grateful heart, after nearly a dozen of
years' experience, but I think your kind heart would be sorry
for me if you knew how often and bitterly I upbraid myself for
the many vexations and annoyances I have been the cause of to
you, but I think I may venture to say that if it pleases God to
re-unite us in health, you will not meet with it again.

It will perhaps be a relief to your mind to know I have
finally determined on remaining here

Her sister Maria writes in her Journal: —
" Mrs S. having heard my brother's stay may be 5 or 6
weeks at Bath, is determined to stay here for her confinement.
John is looking at houses in Bath with a view of going to reside

AND PORTRAITS 243

there in June or at Martinmas. Catherine is perfectly satisfied
with the plan of living there. My brother hopes my Mother
will follow his example."

Catherine wrote to her Husband.

Saturday, Deer. 23rd., 1820.

My Dearest John,

(The first part is about letting Meadow House and agreeing
to the proposal to settle in Bath.)

" I cannot much longer support your absence, tho'
it is wonderful how much less severe I feel it now that
you are so much better. Some day between the 10th
and 17th of Feb. I fix for my job."
The rest of the letter is about politics and plans, and mentions
she is writing on Sunday between sermons.
It is docketed :
" The last letter ever ad/iressed to me by my beloved Wife."

From Maria's Journal.
" We all went to St. George's Church this morning, thank-
ful for the good tidings of Archy (who had had the measles for
3 days). Mrs S. appeared quite as well as usual and returned
in the aft. She did not walk either time and at dinner, nor in
the aft. did she appear fatigued. Olive Riddell dined with us,
and after she went away we read, as usual, a sermon to the
servants, and Kate read a prayer for the close of the year, very
impressive. Little did we foresee what a calamity would befall
us before a new one was commenced. Mrs S. whenever the
reading was finished complained of feeling uneasy, and my
Mother immediately proposed sending for Mrs Morton, she
opposed it at first . . . she undressed and had a little shiver-
ing fit and felt very sick. . . . My Mother took alarm and
sent for Dr Hamilton, by 11 o'c. he was in the house. At 12
she was delivered of a dead child, a boy, and from that moment
her pulse grew weaker and weaker and gradually sank. Every
measure to restore her exhausted strength was tried in vain.

244 SWINTON FAMILY RECORDS

At one o'c. it pleased the Almighty to take her spirit to Him-
self, leaving us so stunned and overwhelmed that it was a con-
siderable time ere we could realise the melancholy event that
had happened. No words are adequate to express the shock we
reed, in thus suddenly being bereaved of one whom we had felt
a sister's affection for."

The family wrote to the Doctor at Bath to ask him to break
the awful news to John. He wrote to his Mother, and his
sister comments on the letter : " Oh how beautiful does his
resignation to the unerring Will of God appear."

As Meadow House was about to be sold, and as her parents
were buried at Leith in an unenclosed burial-ground, they
decided to inter her mortal remains in the New Calton Burial
ground, possibly choosing that ground because a grave of a
Campbell of Blytheswood was already there.

The funeral took place on Jan. 6th, not delayed, as it was
impossible John could be back in time to attend.

Thus he never saw her again.

He reached his Mother's house on the 19th, when he " had a
Meeting, most painful, the sight of the children affecting him
very much."

From their Grandmother, when the Children
Returned to Meadow House.

Edinb., 10 July 1821.
My Dearest Children,

You will this evening arrive at your home which
you left nine months ago, under the guidance and direction of
your affectionate Mother. It has pleased Almighty God to call
your beloved Parent from this world of care and trouble we trust
to a state of unmixed happiness, where true Christians are
encouraged to hope and believe they will through all eternity
be re-united with the valued friends who have gone before us
to life and immortality beyond the grave. Young as you are>
my beloved Grand children, I trust you will feel the awe and
solemnity of this period, and allow it to make a deep and lasting

AND PORTRAITS 245

impression on your minds. Do not chase it from your thoughts
by frivolous and extravagant merriments, which would be quite
improper in you four elder ones, who are very capable of judging
how great a debt of gratitude they owe to a Memory of a Mother
who devoted her whole time and thoughts to your good and
instruction, but it is not by feeling a transient sorrow you can
fulfil this duty, no, the reflection should animate you to a
diligent and active exertion in the performance of every duty
and the acquirement of every virtue and accomplishment
pointed out by your Instructors and kind Father, all equally
anxious to form your characters for usefulness in this life and
happiness in that which is to come

From Sir Walter Scott to John Swinton.

My Dear Friend,

I am obliged to go suddenly to London to meet
the Widow of my late brother-in-law, Charles Carpenter, and
the various business which I was hastily obliged to arrange
before my departure have prevented my bidding you in person
farewell. My best and most anxious wishes remain with you
and your family. It would be in vain for me to use mere
words, and painful for you to hear them or read them. But
most happy shall I be to meet you on my return, maintaining
the same manly fortitude and religious resignation which you
have so strongly evinced. Believe me,

Most truly,
Your most affectionate friend and relative,

Walter Scott.

7 February.
Castle Street.

i^

7

V